Posted on 08/20/2012 1:48:44 PM PDT by Evil Slayer
Missouri Republican Todd Akin has begun moving toward ending his candidacy after his remarks on rape and abortion provoked a firestorm, a top Republican said.
"Akin is taking concrete steps to withdraw by tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.," a senior Republican told BuzzFeed, adding that Akin could still change his mind.
But a Republican close to Akin said his position hasn't changed: He's still in the race.
Tomorrow afternoon is an important deadline: If he files papers to end his candidacy in Jefferson City tomorrow he can end his candidacy unilaterally; after that, he would have to file an application in court.
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; and Auditor Tom Schweich.
UPDATE: Former Missouri Sen. Jim Talent tells BuzzFeed that he is not running for Senate to replace Akin. He also declined to explicitly call for Akin to step aside, but backed NRSC Chair John Cornyn's cool statement that Akin make his decision quickly.
“He’s got a decision to make and he’s got to make it quickly,” Talent added. “He’s got to know the situation and he needs to sit down and make a personal decision.”
(Excerpt) Read more at buzzfeed.com ...
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; and Auditor Tom Schweich.
Geez! Roll out the old coots! How about one of the two other persons who were on the ballot just two weeks ago??
PLEASE for the good of the conservative movement and for the good of the people of MO, STEP DOWN Mr. Atkins.
Ann Wagner is impressive. I am not sure about the two that got defeated.
What about Sarah Steelman?
If he stays in, he looks bad to many who want to vote for him but now can’t, and many of those are likely leaners, could go either way... you can be sure the’ll not vote for Akin after this... he just made McCaskill’s case for her, that he’s wacky right.
Drip, drip, drip..I think Akin hangs out to dry another day or so then quits.
Susan B. Anthony List Endorses Ann Wagner for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District
“Ann Wagner is...a tireless voice for women and unborn children.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Aaron Willard
314-952-4266
Press@AnnWagner.com
St. Louis – Today the Ann Wagner for Congress Campaign is honored to be among the first candidates endorsed by the Susan B. Anthony List. In 2010 the Susan B. Anthony List spent $11 million supporting pro-life candidates around the country and was successful in 62 of the 90 races they played in. This will be their sole endorsement in the Missouri 2nd Congressional District.
He didn’t sound like he was quitting on Hannity.
WTF? Who needs this establishment picks? What about John Brunner and Sarah Steelman? Disgusting.
He was pretty adamant on Hannity today that he wasn’t dropping out. We shall see tomorrow. I hope he does.
The republican establishment at the state and national level are using this as their chance to put another go-along person into the senate. Kit Bond?? He just retired two years ago for God’s sake. First Lautenberg, then Coats, now Bond. Go away!! It would be fun to see Ashcroft but he’s too old. Need somebody young.
She looks good to me, and she’s probably good politically too...
Hopefully he has a “come to Jesus” moment tonight, discussing this over with his family. There’s no way he can win now, not with all financial support withdrawn by various PAC’s and the NRSC itself. He’s toast, it all comes down to how much ego he has and how selfish he is. If he stays in, I’ll gladly donate to the first Republican that lines up to run against him and McCaskill as an independent.
I voted for Sarah Steelman. I wouldn’t consider her a RINO. Had Palin’s support. Came in second in the Primary by within a handful of votes. Why wouldn’t she be Akin’s replacement if he steps down? Why are they considering John Ashcroft, Jim Talent, and Kit Bond?
Curious that the replacement names do NOT include the 2nd and 3rd runners up challengers.
Allowing the party chair to select someone who didn’t even run for the position this year smacks of GOPe-liteism.
Can an Independent get in the race? If he does not drop out? RATS will be throwing him money to keep him in.
Didn’t sound like he was quitting on Hannity.....I think the RNC made him an offer he could not refuse.
This entire national election hinges on middle class white women. This guy was an idiot to say something so stupid...and now the DNC is trying to hang it on Romney with the help of the MSM.
He had better quit.
Great. An almost certain win and the elimination of a true scumbag and *poof*
Cue teh stupid.
Head -—————>Desk
He only has one more day.
I just heard him on Hannity and he sounded pretty defiant in dropping out.
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