A few words "misspoken" by a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate could ultimately cost him an election.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is accused of repeatedly claiming he served in Vietnam -- although he never did.

Now, there's mounting pressure for him to drop out of the race to replace retiring Sen. Chris Dodd.

In a 2008 video, Blumenthal can be seen saying, "We have learned something very important since the days that I served in Vietnam."

The video and several other instances were cited in a recent New York Times report. Yet, Blumenthal dismissed the accusations Tuesday, saying the controversy was only a matter of "a few misplaced words."

"On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service and I regret that I take full responsibility," he said, during an impromptu press conference to address the report. "But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country."

Blumenthal claimed he meant to say he served "during Vietnam" not "in Vietnam." When pressed on whether he was apologizing for his remarks, Blumenthal insisted he "regretted" misspeaking.

The candidate did join the U.S. Marine Reserve in 1970, but never went overseas. The New York Times also reported Blumenthal received five deferments to avoid going to war between 1965 and 1970.