Mandel’s Stunning Praise For A Man That Said Rape Pregnancies Are Something “God Intended To Happen” At Odds W/ GOP Candidates Across Country

Josh Mandel’s stunning refusal to denounce Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s statement that “even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that is something that God intended to happen,” even in the face of GOP candidates across the country distancing themselves has taken a bizarre, disturbing, and offensive new turn.

On the Laura Ingraham Show today Josh Mandel actually chose to PRAISE Richard Mourdock, calling him a “gentleman, & a class act.”

“Josh Mandel’s stunning refusal to denounce Richard Mourdock’s statement that pregnancy from rape is something God ‘intended’ even after the statement was read out loud to him is outrageous, offensive, and demands an immediate apology, but the fact that Mandel would go out of his way to praise Mourdock absolutely boggles the mind” said Justin Barasky, spokesman for Friends of Sherrod Brown.

BACKGROUND

Mandel On Mourdock’s Comment That Pregnancies By Rape Are “Something God Intended”:  “I Think I’d Wanna See The Video Or See The Debate Before Commenting On That.”  In October 2012, when Josh Mandel was asked what he thought of Indiana Senate Candidate Richard Mourdock’s comment that pregnancy by rape is “something God intended,” Mandel replied, “I think I’d wanna see his comments, and see, is there a video of it?”  Mandel then said, “I think I’d wanna see the video or see the debate before commenting on that.”  When asked if he would make any exceptions for abortion, Mandel replied, “Well I think it’s important to protect the life of the mother, and I’m proud to be pro-life.” [Marc Kovac video, 10/24/12]

Romney Spokeswoman:  “Gov. Romney Disagrees With Richard Mourdock.”  In October 2012, USA Today, reported “Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said in a statement that ‘Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock and Mr. Mourdock’s statements do not reflect Gov. Romney’s views.’ Romney supports abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the woman is in danger. Saul said Romney still supports Mourdock.”  [USA Today, 10/24/12]

Dean Heller Spokeswoman:  “Dean Heller Disagrees.  He Does Not Share These Views.”  In October 2012, The Las Vegas Review-Journalreported “Sen. Dean Heller distanced himself Wednesday from the latest rape and pregnancy controversy tied to a fellow Republican Senate candidate.  ‘Dean Heller disagrees. He does not share these views,’ his campaign spokeswoman Chandler Smith said in response to the storm set off by Richard Mourdock of Indiana in a Tuesday debate.”  [Las Vegas Review Journal, 10/24/12]

Wisconsin Senate Candidate Tommy Thompson:  Mourdock’s Comments Are “Really Sad” – There Can Be “No Tolerance Whatsoever.”  In October 2012, The Associated Press wrote “In Wisconsin, former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson, who faces Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin, called Mourdock’s comments ‘really sad.’  ‘I’ve got a wife and two daughters and six granddaughters,’ he said in an interview. ‘Anything dealing with rape against women is uncalled for. Period. No tolerance whatsoever.’”  [Associated Press, 10/24/12]

Senator Scott Brown Denounced The Rape Comment Made By Senate Candidate Richard Mourdock.  In October 2012, The Boston Herald stated, “U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is distancing himself from comments about rape made by a fellow Republican Senate candidate from Indiana. Richard Mourdock said during a debate on Tuesday that he believes when a woman becomes pregnant during a rape, ‘that’s something God intended.’ Brown told reporters during a campaign stop on Wednesday that he is a ‘pro-choice Republican’ and does not share Mourdock’s views. Asked later if he still supported Mourdock’s candidacy, Brown answered that was up to the people of Indiana.” [Boston Herald, 10/24/12]

Senator Kelly Ayotte Cancelled Her Plan To Campaign With Senate Candidate Richard Mourdock After his Controversial Rape Comment. In October 2012, The Boston Globe reported, “New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte has cancelled her plan to campaign with Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, who said that when a woman becomes pregnant during a rape, ‘that’s something God intended.’ Mourdock said on Wednesday said he abhors rape and meant only that God creates life. But Ayotte’s spokesman, Jeff Grappone, said that the senator disagrees with Mourdock’s comments, which do not represent her views. Ayotte was scheduled to campaign with Mourdock on Wednesday, but canceled her trip and is in New Hampshire instead.” [Boston Globe, 10/24/12]