The head of Senate Republicans' campaign arm says Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin should take 24 hours to consider what's best for him after making comments that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies when they are victims of "a legitimate rape."

Sen. John Cornyn said Monday that the comments by the Republican congressman were "offensive and indefensible."

In a statement, Cornyn channeled growing GOP backlash over the comments and says Akin should weigh "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.

Akin has apologized for his remarks, but insists he's not leaving the race against Democrat Claire McCaskill.