WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top-ranking Republican says Rep. Todd Akin's apology isn't good enough and is reiterating calls for him to step aside.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he's certain Akin truly is sorry for comments he made Sunday suggesting that women can prevent pregnancy in the case of "legitimate rape" is sincere. But McConnell says that "when the future of our country is at stake, sorry is not sufficient."

McConnell and other Republicans are piling on pressure for Akin to leave the Missouri Senate race. Akin reiterated Tuesday he was staying in the contest against Sen. Claire McCaskill.