Republicans have been hoping to win gain control of the U.S. Senate. The path toward victory had Indiana solidly on their side.
That was until Indiana's treasurer Richard Mourdock beat longtime Sen. Richard Lugar in the primary.
Then, during a debate on Oct. 23, Mourdock and his Democratic opponent, Congressman Joe Donnelly, were asked about abortion and contraception. Like Donnelly, Mourdock said he was against abortion.
"The only exception I have ... to have on abortion is in that case of the life of the mother. I struggled with it myself for a long time but I came to realize life is that gift from God," Mourdock said. "And I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen."
It's the second time in recent months that a Republican Senate candidate has jeopardized a victory with comments about rape and abortion. Congressman Todd Akin is behind in the polls in Missouri after a similar remark in August.
Mourdock's comments have put him in the same bind; his statement sent a shudder through the Republican Party.
Mitt Romney had only just waded into the campaign, cutting a commercial for Mourdock. His campaign was quick to say that the nominee disagreed with Mourdock.
Mourdock says his comments were misinterpreted for political gain.
It's All Politics
Rape Comments Complicate But Don't End GOP Senate Takeover Chances