[Charles Henrickson]

I have been advocating for Ann Wagner as the best choice to replace Akin, doing so here since Monday afternoon. I think she would do well. Solid conservative, pro-life, can think and speak on her feet, comes across well on TV, neutralizes the gender issue, etc. I think she would have a much better chance than Akin of beating McCaskill.

I live in the district that Akin represents and Wagner is running for.

[Not A Snowbird]

I’ve heard they could possibly trade places... Akin run for reelection in his old seat and Wagner run against McCaskill.

That would be great if they could pull it off.

[Charles Henrickson]

I think Ann Wagner would be a better choice than the other names that have been floated: Kit Bond, Jim Talent, John Ashcroft, or John Danforth (the four former senators); John Brunner or Sarah Steelman (the primary runners-up); Tom Schweich (state auditor); or Jo Ann Emerson (U.S. representative).

And I don't think Akin has it in him to get out of the hole he's dug for himself. If he doesn't show strong signs of polling recovery by next week, he really needs to drop out, before the Democrat Convention.

What do you think?

[dalebert]

they are going to lose that seat thanks to a big mouth who couldnt think before he opens it. just like joe but joe is always pardoned.Akin not,

[PhxTM06]

In a sane world, Wagner would have been the candidate from the get-go and the Missouri GOP would have told Akin to stay in his district and STFU.

[InterceptPoint]

Have we heard anything definitive vis a vis the ins and outs of the Court Order route? What happens if you run into a very Dem judge who just wants to mess things up for the GOP?

[Biggirl]

She could do much better and can take the fight to Sen. Clare.

[ansel12]

The problem with your recommendations, are that anyone looking at your posting history for the past couple of years, sees that you aren’t for moving the party right, you always seem to be of the Romney/Rove/Rockefeller flavor republican.

[justiceseeker93]

She is currently running for Mr. Akin's 2nd Congressional district seat and is said to have supporters asking her to run against McCaskill should Akin leave the Missouri Senate race before the next September deadline passes.

This entire situation is very strange. If Ms. Wagner is on the ballot for the House, logic (if not law) says she shouldn't be running for the Senate at the same time. Voters shouldn't be voting for the same candidate for two different offices, at least one of which she would have to resign from if elected to both.

Seems far better to choose one of the runners-up in the Senate primary if Akin drops out, out of deference to the primary process if nothing else.

Missouri seems to be very lax about its election laws. I recall when the Dems left Mel Carnahan on the ballot after he was killed in a plane crash and the voters elected him. Amazingly, the election of a dead man was not challenged by the GOP.

[doug from upland]

I appreciate the insight, Charles. She may be the answer, but if Brunner and Steelman are both strongly pro-life and fought during the primary, maybe one of them deserves the shot.

[Charles Henrickson]

Statement from Ann Wagner

Ballwin – “As a staunch defender of the unborn I believe life begins at conception. Todd Akin's comments about rape were wrong and indefensible. Todd has apologized and understands he was wrong in what he said. It is now up to Missouri voters to decide whether they accept his apology. Our country is at a crossroads and we are facing serious issues brought on by the overreach of government in our lives, out-of-control spending and debt, and an environment that does not promote job creation and economic prosperity. I have been running for Congress in Missouri's 2nd District for 16 months and will continue to work hard to earn the trust and confidence of every voter.”