A spokesman for Senate Republicans' campaign arm says Rep. Todd Akin is putting issues he cares about at risk by staying in the Missouri Senate race and says Akin's "misguided" campaign will get no support from the group.

Akin has come under intense pressure to exit the race after saying women could prevent pregnancy in cases of "legitimate rape." But he reiterated plans Tuesday to continue his bid.

National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman Brian Walsh says the group continues to hope Akin "will do the right thing" and exit the race.

The NRSC previously told Akin it would drop $5 million in advertising it had planned for his race. Walsh reiterated that threat Tuesday.

Walsh says Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill stands to gain from Akin staying continuing his campaign.