Top Republican Criticizes Akin’s Rape Comments But Took Thousands From Another Notorious Rape Defender

As chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) — the campaign arm of the Senate Republican minority — Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was among the first in his party to suggest Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) ought to get out of the Senate race after his Sunday comments that victims of “legitimate rape” are unlikely to become pregnant. But as a candidate and as NRSC chair, Cornyn has been only too happy to take money from former Texas Republican gubernatorial nominee Clayton Williams Jr., who lost his 1990 race to then-State Treasurer Ann Richards (D) after making infamous comments defending rape.

At a cattle roundup on his Texas ranch, the oil and gas tycoon told ranch hands, campaign workers, and reporters that bad weather was like rape. “If it’s inevitable, just relax and enjoy it.” His double-digit lead in the polls evaporated and he lost the election.

A ThinkProgress review of campaign finance records reveals that Cornyn took $2,400 from Williams in 2009 and another $2,400 in 2011 for his own campaign account. Additionally, as NRSC chair, Cornyn took $2,500 from Williams in 2009 and another $30,400 in 2010 — the legal maximum donation.

Cornyn released a statement Monday, saying “Congressman Akin’s statements were wrong, offensive, and indefensible. I recognize that this is a difficult time for him, but over the next twenty-four hours, Congressman Akin should carefully consider what is best for him, his family, the Republican Party, and the values that he cares about and has fought for throughout his career in public service.”

Cornyn’s willingness to take money from Williams suggests that perhaps his criticism is more about campaign strategy than genuine outrage.