Pressures Mounts on Akin to Drop Senate Bid

In the wake of controversial comments regarding rape, GOP leaders appear to hope that Rep. Todd Akin will step aside and clear the way for another candidate in the heated contest against Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in the Show Me State.

Democrats believe that even before this misstep, Akin’s win in an effectively three-way GOP primary this month gave McCaskill the best chance to hang onto her seat in a Republican-leaning state President Obama is not even contesting this year. Republican hopes to retake the Senate depend on winning her seat. 

In an interview that aired Sunday, Akin, in response to a question about his opposition to abortion in all cases, said that he understands from doctors that pregnancy as a result of rape is "really rare. If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” 

He later said he misspoke. On Monday he apologized. "I made that statement in error. Rape is never legitimate. It is an evil act," Akin said in a radio interview with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. "I used the wrong words in the wrong way."

Apologies aside, Akin was not ready to drop out of the race: “I’m not a quitter."

But GOP leaders, with an eye on a rule that allows the state Republican Party to pick a replacement candidate if Akin withdraws, are leaning on him to step aside.

“Congressman Akin’s statements were wrong, offensive, and indefensible,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn, R-Texas, said in a statement Monday. “I recognize that this is a difficult time for him, but over the next 24 hours, Congressman Akin should carefully consider what is best for him, his family, the Republican Party, and the values that he cares about and has fought for throughout his career in public service.” 

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney also condemned Akin’s statement Monday, as did President Obama.

Sens. Scott Brown, R-Mass., who is locked in his own tough reelection battle this year, Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who backed businessman John Brunner against Akin in the primary, also called on Akin to withdraw. Other Republicans senators were expected to issue similar calls Monday. 

Brunner appears the most likely replacement if Akin pulls out of the race.