WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican National Party chair Reince Priebus says that Todd Akin's insistence on staying in the Missouri Senate race could cost the party its chance to win control of the Senate.

Priebus says Akin "should put the mission of liberty and freedom ahead of himself" and leave the race.

Akin has ignored calls from national GOP leaders, including Priebus and presidential contender Mitt Romney, to leave the race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. Republicans hope to pick off her seat and capture a Senate majority in the November elections.

Akin has apologized repeatedly for comments made a week ago that pregnancy in a "legitimate rape" is rare because the female body tries "to shut that whole thing down."

Priebus made his comments Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."