Posted on 09/10/2012 9:05:04 AM PDT by Uncle Chip
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Three weeks after Republican Rep. Todd Akin upended the national political landscape by claiming that pregnancies rarely result from “legitimate rape,” the race for Senate in this increasingly conservative state — and in many ways the battle for control of Congress’s upper chamber — has settled into a waiting game.
A Sept. 25 deadline looms. That’s the last day Akin can petition Missouri courts to remove his name from the ballot — and comply with the near-universal calls from party leaders who think his comments have made unwinnable a seat they need for an easier path to a Senate majority.
Akin’s opponent, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, is waiting, too — hoping that Akin remains in the race but knowing that even if he does, reelection to the Senate is far from secure in a state that has turned sharply against President Obama.
In the balance could lie the Senate.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
At what point does the hardheadedness of the GOPe become the problem??? Do they want to see him lose so badly that they are willing to lose the Senate???
“Grassroots supporters have to send money to Akin,”
How much money do you think these grassroot supporters will be able to send? McCaskill has at least 12 million for her campaign, and now that it is winnable, the Dems will increase that amount, so she will be able to inundate the airwaves, organize a much better GOTV campaign.
He apologized, but the damage was already done. There's no un-saying it. Like it or not, perception is reality in politics, and while democrats can get away with saying worse, the bar is higher for Republicans to avoid the "anti-woman" label. It's not fair, but every Republican should know that going in.
“He apologized, but the damage was already done.”
That is the part of this campaign that is set in stone, for the duration of this election.
You may be able to mitigate it somewhat if you had enough money to whitewash yourself and muddy your opponent, but that isn’t the reality. Akin does not have the money to compete.
That's funny since I don't hear questions asked of Akin about why the GOPe supports the views of Scott Brown or others???
They are not going down that road.
They travel that road on a regular basis.
“At what point does the hardheadedness of the GOPe become the problem??? Do they want to see him lose so badly that they are willing to lose the Senate???”
They made their decision, and when they did, they closed and locked the door behind them, only Akin can change that by stepping aside.
Its just the realities of political life today. It sucks, but its still the reality.
They are not going down that road.
“They travel that road on a regular basis.”
But they are not going down this one. They are not going to have this become a week or two week story this close to the election, being discussed nationwide.
Sometime a decision just can’t be walked back without causing even more damage.
Who are you kidding. If Akin wins without GOPe financial support in November, the GOPe will have egg all over their faces.
If Akin loses without GOPe financial support, then the GOPe will still have egg all over their faces -- though perhaps a little less.
Either way they lose and they know it or should by now.
There is only one way to keep that egg on their plate rather than on their faces and they know what they have to do. They are political realists not idealists and least of all those worried about keeping their words -- particularly those spoken in public or in anger.
Reince will suck it up for the good of the party and the country.
True, but we are also very stubborn people! After all, we don't have a mule named after us because mules are docile and compliant animals!
The RNC has a state here full of very angry and bitter grassroots conservatives that will do all they can to make sure Todd Akin stays in the race.
I agree with you there, but that just means the support would have to be out of the public spotlight.
When we finally dump the GOP and start our own Conservative Party, it will have a clearly defined mechanism for expelling people.
Is that how it looks in Virginia? 'Cause it doesn't look like that to me and I actually get a vote in this race.
I’ve been told that various conservative groups are joining forces & setting up a strategy. Conservatives from outside of the state are said to be coming in to help with “boots on the ground”. Don’t know how reliable the info’ is but I have volunteered to help if this thing gets organized.
Well, let`s put it this way.. is Akin winning that race?
Imposed on the states from on high, you mean? Would we even need a primary in this utopia of yours?
Maybe not, but it's our race.
No. What kind of stupid party would give this idiot money. He needs to drop out for the good of the party.
Does that rule apply to your Senatorial candidate as well???
Does that rule apply to your Senatorial candidate as well???
[my apologies Da Bilge Troll -- this was meant for ScottinVa]
“maybe not, but it`s our race”
Yes.. but the Senate majority is everyone`s race.
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