[philman_36]

It explains why Claire wanted to face Akins and what she did to try to ensure that happened.

Where? Please post the relevant text.

If you're talking about this...
...a six-term social conservative whom the vulnerable Democratic senator helped promote to GOP voters because she thought she had the best chance of beating him...

That isn't reporting, that's opinionating and bloviating which is typical of Politico.

This?
McCaskill signaled she’d rather run against Akin when her campaign launched a heavily rotated spot in July that branded him the “true conservative” — a blatant appeal to devoted conservatives who decide GOP primary contests.

Again, that isn't reporting, that's opinionating and bloviating which is typical of Politico.

That's not proof, it's opinion.

[LSAggie]

No, this...Even so, there’s widespread agreement on both sides of the aisle that Akin presents the weakest threat to McCaskill and his nomination could provide her a window of opportunity to save a seat the GOP needs to flip Senate control in November. Assuming President Barack Obama is reelected, Republicans must pick up four seats to attain the majority.

Akin’s 12-year voting record is more susceptible to attack and his deeply held conservative beliefs have prompted him to make statements that Democrats believe are outside the mainstream for most Missourians.