A controversial Republican candidate for the US Senate is trying to play down revelations that she dabbled with witchcraft in high school.
"How many of you didn't hang out with questionable folks...?" said Christine O'Donnell, a day after a clip of her discussing the occult was rebroadcast.
Ms O'Donnell is backed by the right-wing, grassroots Tea Party and known for her conservative Christian views.
Last week she beat a veteran politician for the Senate nomination in Delaware.
The BBC's Paul Adams, in Washington, says the candidate's eccentricities are causing anxiety within the ranks of the Republican Party, which fears that its chances of taking Delaware from the Democratic Party in November's midterm elections are disappearing fast.
BBC News
