The deadline for Rep. Todd Akin to be removed from the Missouri ballot in his race for U.S. Senate, has now passed. Akin had until Sept. 25th to withdrawal from the race because Missouri’s absentee ballots became available Sept. 26th.
Nearly every political pundit or operative declared Akin’s chance of success as non-existent following his unfortunate remarks last August. But, polls show Sen. Claire McCaskill still vulnerable. Akin has garnered endorsements from U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and former Presidential candidate Rick Santorum all within the last 24 hours.
Despite Akin’s comments, it should not be terribly surprising he’s still in the running at this point. Missouri has some deeply, socially conservative pockets, he won a very competitive primary, and it’s no secret that Akin is one of the most conservative members of Congress. Add to that Missourian’s disappointment of Pres. Obama and now Sen. Claire McCaskill and you still have a competitive race.
The situation puts many Republican leaders in D.C. in a tough spot after demanding Akin drop out of the race and refused to provide any monetary support. The question now remains whether Republicans will ignore (or conveniently forget) the comments Akin made and support his campaign for the larger effort of gaining a majority in the Senate.
Nearly every political pundit or operative declared Akin’s chance of success as non-existent following his unfortunate remarks last August. But, polls show Sen. Claire McCaskill still vulnerable. Akin has garnered endorsements from U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and former Presidential candidate Rick Santorum all within the last 24 hours.
Despite Akin’s comments, it should not be terribly surprising he’s still in the running at this point. Missouri has some deeply, socially conservative pockets, he won a very competitive primary, and it’s no secret that Akin is one of the most conservative members of Congress. Add to that Missourian’s disappointment of Pres. Obama and now Sen. Claire McCaskill and you still have a competitive race.
The situation puts many Republican leaders in D.C. in a tough spot after demanding Akin drop out of the race and refused to provide any monetary support. The question now remains whether Republicans will ignore (or conveniently forget) the comments Akin made and support his campaign for the larger effort of gaining a majority in the Senate.
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