Posted on 09/21/2012 4:41:20 AM PDT by Evil Slayer
The nation is closely watching the U.S. Senate race in Missouri that pits Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill against her Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Todd Akin. The two will face off for their first debate today (Sept. 21) at 10:45 a.m. in Columbia, Mo.
McCaskill, 59, is seeking her second six-year term in the Senate after previously serving as state auditor. Akin, 65, is challenging McCaskill, rather than seek re-election to the 2nd Congressional District in St. Louis, to which he first won election in 2000.
View slideshow: McCaskill and Akin will square off in first debate
The race shot into the national spotlight last month after Akin remarked to a local television reporter when speaking about abortion that with a “legitimate rape the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
He has since backed off the statement saying that he misspoke, but has rejected pleas from Republican leaders to drop out of the race. Republicans were hoping to unseat McCaskill in November, bringing them one step closer to holding a majority in the U.S. Senate.
Not all Republicans have shied away from supporting Akin. Former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich will be in Missouri on Sept. 24 at a fundraiser for Akin. The $500-a-plate luncheon will be held at Trattoria Branica restaurant in Kirkwood. The invitation-only event is expected to be a small gathering of about 100 people.
“I think Todd Akin was the choice of the people in Missouri and Todd Akin has publicly apologized,” Gingrich recently told ABC News. “I just think people ought to be a little cautious about saying the voters of Missouri don’t count.”
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
Akin is hitting home runs throughout this whole debate.
Atkin is coming across as very seasoned, knowledgeable, and confident. His RAT opponent sounds uncertain and somewhat whiny and shrill.
The Missouri Farm Bureau endorsed Akin:) put that in your broom Scare McCackles. Akin stating that we have not passed a budget...going after the spenders...oh I love Akin!
Akin hanging sequestration around McCaskill’s neck.
McCaskill dodges, and claims there has been a budget the last two years.
Had to run and just got here. How are we doing????
Todd has the fire in the belly today. He is really coming on strong. Rove must be crying a river right now. This is awesome!!
Last Question....obesity (really?)
McCaskill (ooh - I better start sounding moderate!); Uhm, uhm, uhm, government shouldn’t tell people what to eat.
Way to go out there on a limb there.
McCaskill on obesity. Government should keep their noses out of that.
[What about Bloomberg and the 32-oz drinks? What about Michelle O’s sticking her nose in everyones menus and grocery purchases?]
[Government should keep their noses out of MANY things, but they don’t; they won’t.]
I have zero doubt after seeing and hearing Atkin that he will win.
MrDem said it best: "Atkin is coming across as very seasoned, knowledgeable, and confident."
Oh I am thrilled with Akin:) can there be any doubt he should be our next senator from MO? here she goes on the food police...and quoting Moochelle Obama.
Thanks again ES....I am looking forward to comments by the gop establishment on Akin’s performance:) now, I am off to town.
God bless and have a great day. Akin was fantastic.
I’m not sure how many people are seeing/hearing the debates. I wish this got more exposure.
Akins may be at the mercy of the news shows picking which soundbites to run.
I’ll be interested in seeing where the polls go from here.
No way McCaskill could rise.
Good debate for Akin. I think he will rise in the polls.
Yay! I got the livestream but can’t get any sound! Yikes.
If I didn’t know better, I think Reagan was working with Todd in his closing statement.
That is a good point. Hopefully people will be able to view the saved stream. The libtard press will not want people to see Todd beat that dumb donkey like a drum.
AWESOME closing statement by Akin!
Absolutely! trying to pretend she is bi-partisan..
I Tweeted it to more than 6500 followers just before it started.
Breaking: #McCaskill and #Akin will square off in first debate for U.S. Senate ( -LIVE STREAMING!) http://ow.ly/dTqBR #tcot #lnyhbt
https://twitter.com/cafenetamerica/status/249176230253973504
LOL....McCaskill name dropping like a E! reporter....Kardashian, Lebron James, Tom Brady. She is all over the place.
Akin definitely had a strong showing. How many more debates are there?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.