Santorum distances himself from 'aspirin' comment

[February 17, 2012]  NOVI, Mich. (AP) -- Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum is distancing himself from a high-profile supporter's comments about contraception.

The main donor behind Santorum's "super PAC," Foster Friess (freeze), said on MSNBC on Thursday that aspirin used to be an acceptable method for contraception. Friess said that "gals," in his words, "put it between their knees, and it wasn't that costly." He followed the comment with laughter.

Santorum, a devout Catholic, has said he opposes contraception. But he's calling Friess' comment a "stupid joke." And he says he's not responsible for everything his supporters say.

Speaking to reporters after a speech in Michigan, Santorum says the comment by Friess was "in bad taste."

Santorum later told Fox News that he considers Friess "a good man" and "a great philanthropist."

[Associated Press; By STEVE PEOPLES]

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