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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Todd Akin is putting an end to the rumors: He will not make another run for the U.S. Senate in 2016.
Akin's 2012 bid was undermined by a remark during a TV interview in which he said that women's bodies have ways of avoiding pregnancy from what he called "legitimate rape."
The St. Louis County Republican, who served six terms in the House, was soundly defeated by Democratic incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill in the general election.
Akin recently made comments perceived by some as hints that he would challenge Republican Sen. Roy Blunt.
But Akin released a one-sentence statement Thursday, saying: "In response to various questions: I will not be running for the US Senate in 2016."
Messages seeking further comment from Akin were not returned.
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