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Putnam says the reason the Republican officials wanted him out of the race had nothing to do with abortion. Rather, he said, Akin voted as a member of Congress against several Bush Administration big government proposals, has a record of opposing “the party establishment,” and figures to be a Tea Party senator in Washington, D.C. if he wins the Senate race against Democrat Claire McCaskill.

Akin, who represents Missouri’s 12th District and has been described as an “avid student of the U.S. Constitution,” voted against President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” bill to expand the federal role in education; against Bush’s extravagant expansion of Medicare through what is called Part D, or prescription drug coverage; and against Bush’s federal bailout of Wall Street after the economic collapse in September 2008.

Akin’s website describes him as “one of just 16 legislators who opposed the series of bailouts which rewarded irresponsible behavior with taxpayer dollars in 2008 and 2009.”

Putnam, who also serves as chairman of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, said that party officials “didn’t think Akin could win” the Missouri Republican Senate primary. But he said Akin has a history of pulling upsets and, with the support of conservative Christians and Tea Party activists, did just that on August 7. Akin beat former state treasurer Sarah Steelman and businessman John Brunner.

And many FReepers took the bait and wanted Akin out. The person who needs to be out is Karl Rove, a legend in his own mind.

“Akin, who represents Missouri’s 12th District and has been described as an “avid student of the U.S. Constitution,” voted against President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” bill to expand the federal role in education; against Bush’s extravagant expansion of Medicare through what is called Part D, or prescription drug coverage; and against Bush’s federal bailout of Wall Street after the economic collapse in September 2008.”

No wonder Rove hates him.

We need Akin in the Senate.