Reports: Akin Advisers Make Preparations For Withdrawal Tomorrow

Talking Points Memo ^ | 8/20/12 | David Taintor

[ruralvoter]

Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin's advisers are making preparations to withdraw from the race Tuesday, GOP operative Richard Grenell and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson report. Grenell cited "GOP sources" in his tweet announcing the withdrawal, which has yet to be confirmed by Akin. Akin has been under fire since saying women have biological defenses to fend off pregnancy after a "legitimate rape."

[Charles Henrickson]

That said, I know what he means when he says “Legitimate Rape.” A seventeen year old boy who has sex with his fifteen year old girlfriend is technically a rapist.

The distinction between forcible rape and statutory rape. You and I know that, and we may know the point that Akin was getting at about abortion. However, the average voter's MIND "shuts down" when the talk gets to rape. This election needs to be about Obama, the economy, jobs, the debt, etc. Akin needed to stay on point, and he didn't.

[Ken H]

That was Earl Butz. Sec. of Ag under Nixon and Ford.

God love him, he was a character. A friend of mine said that he had a chance encounter with Butz shortly after he left office. He told Butz that he was a democrat but he wanted to shake his hand. Butz shot back, 'It doesn't matter which party you belong to as long as you vote republican.' Said he was just as nice and friendly as he could be.

[spiderfern]

Just heard Akins being interviewed by Hannity on his radio show and he’s NOT withdrawing as of 10 minutes ago!

[Skulllspitter]

Same here. Akin is my congressman. It's a shame that a twelve-second soundbite could ruin a man's career. He was making a valid point--about abortion--but said it about as badly as he could. It's a self-inflicted wound, though.

It's certainly disappointing to see him shoot himself in the foot like this; probably just unused to hostile questioning after years in a friendly district.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Brunner came in second, and is a much better candidate, not a professional politician like Aikin and Steelman.

Brunner should get it. If he doesn't, Steelman pulled one of her usual underhanded shenanigans.

[PhxTM06]

What the heck?

“Possible Republican replacements, the Republican source said, include three former senators: John Ashcroft, Jim Talent, and Kit Bond. Other names being mentioned include former Ambassador Ann Wagner, who is running for Akin’s now-vacant seat;”

ASHCROFT? KIT BOND? Seriously? Why not Brunner or Steelman. Wagner would be a good pick, although I worry that might lead to Akin trying to take back his old Congressional seat.

[Charles Henrickson]

probably just unused to hostile questioning after years in a friendly district.

Exactly so. Akin is my congressman. I have voted for him in the past, not based on hearing him speak, but on how he pushes the button in Congress.

[Positive]

"What other possible flip states are out there to make up for this nightmare and still get 60+ ??"

We even have another big problem. Conservative Goode was first elected to Congress as a Democrat in 1996, but he dropped his party affiliation in 2000 and was re-elected that year as an independent.

In 2002 he joined the Republican Party and was re-elected three times. He was defeated in 2008 by Democrat Tom Perriello.

Now he is trying to get on the Virginia ballot for President, I've read that he is polling 9%.

Virgil could be goode enough to give Øbama VA.

Oh! and the idiot former Republican Gary Johnson now Libertarian could syphon off enough votes to make sure Romney can't carry New Mexico.

George Washington may have been our last politician who was not a low life.

[hrh40]

“FYI only: Sarah Steelman did not “just miss” the nomination. She finished third in the primary.”

FYI, yeah, she finished third, something like .7 behind Brunner, something like 900 votes.

But OK, keep trying to give the impression that she lost big time. OK.

Akin had around 34%
Brunner and Steelman both had around 29%

Most honest folks would call it approximately a tie behind Akins.

[dps.inspect]

Let's go with Sarah Steelman... That's who Sarah Palin was stumping for... Lets say Akin is right in what he says, he is wrong to have let himself get pulled into this, and as a result he looks stupid, though he is likely quite smart. He would have been better to have just said, "I'm pro life and support protecting the life of the mother, I need to speak about the state or our economy" Why is it that some people feel they have to "share" everything they know?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Just got shut down at Hanity’s am show. Here’s a guy who claims to be an engineer who takes an unsupported assertion held in some circles as a rule. Which says that if a woman concieves after a rape she concented to the rape.

What he meant to say was that only one-tenth of one percent of abortions are the result of rape, but that's not what he actually said.

This is exactly why McCaskill spent $2-million on "anti-Akin" ads in the GOP primary, dog-whistling to Democrats to cross over and vote for him.

He was the guy she wanted to run against, for reasons that are now obvious.

Unfortunately for Claire, he blew up sooner and more thoroughly than she planned.

There is plenty of time for Brunner to win this thing.

[Da Bilge Troll]

If Akin withdraws, I think the slot would go to either John Brunner, Kit Bond, or Jim Talent.

If Akin is forced to withdraw I WILL vote for Claire McCaskil in November.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Most honest folks would call it approximately a tie behind Akins.

Only "honest" people who wanted their candidate to get the nod even though they had fewer votes.

You think just like a Democrat.

[Col Frank Slade]

The Ross Perot effect.

[Charles Henrickson]

Kit Bond is as close to a sure thing in state-wide races as there is in Missouri. Two-time governor, four-time senator. Hasn't been retired that long. He is 73, though.

Brunner and Steelman lost to Akin. Neither endeared themselves to their fellow Republicans with their campaigns.

Ann Wagner might be a good choice; would neutralize the gender issue. Tom Schweich has some influential backers in the state party.

[Signalman]

At least he made the stupid gaffe before the deadline date, so he can be replaced.

[donozark]

After this controversy, old white guys need not apply. I say Steelman or Wagner. Although I'll stick with Akin if he stays in.

Talent already lost to McRascal. I doubt J. Ashcroft has any interest in going back to the Pothole on the Potomac. Kit Bond is 73 and a practicing lawyer in StL. He stepped down in 2010. Schweich has little name recognition.

[Col Frank Slade]

He must be delusional because he won’t resign and thinks voters will forgive him.

What a fool.

[Positive]

"The Ross Perot effect."

Eggs Zacktly.

[Charles Henrickson]

If Akin is forced to withdraw I WILL vote for Claire McCaskil in November.

Look, Todd Akin is my congressman. I have voted for him for the House. I voted for him in the Senate primary. I understand the point he was trying to make in the interview about abortion. If he stays in this race, I will vote for him in November.

HOWEVER, the political reality is that there is now blood in the water and the sharks are circling. Akin fell for the trap and gave them the golden soundbite. Now the election will be about rape, instead of about McCaskill and Obama and the economy and jobs, etc. And we cannot let ObamaClaire win.

If there is a replacement for Akin, I will gladly for that person over ObamaClaire. There is NO WAY I could vote for McCaskill or not vote for her opponent.