That word, "rape", is a radioactive red flag for women voters. It cost us two Senate seats this year because our candidates weren't ready or smart enough to handle a "gotcha" question that they had to know was coming. There was that idiot candidate for Governor in Texas back in the '80s who basically handed the election to Ann Richards because he made a (stupid) "joke" about how if you know you're going to be raped "just relax and enjoy it".
Look at the polls. Prior to these stupid gaffes our candidates were up by double digits. Afterward and in the final tally they were clobbered by 10 to 20 points. There is only one answer for that kind of swing.
First of all, apples to oranges...this thread is about the Romney loss, not about the loss of the Senate.
Second, let's analyze your assertion. Who put these two candidates ahead by double digits before they made their "gaffe"? Was it Dems? Was it aging ERA women. Was it voters who were totally clueless as to their conservative social stances?
Of course not. So, who then dropped their support after their statements. It would have to be a segment of the Republican party, no? Hmmmmm...now let's see, who would that be? Oh, that's right - the vaunted "moderates" - who are quick to insist that the conservatives must always hold their noses for the good of the party, but never seem to reciprocate.
So, I ask you also - if you were able to vote for either Akin or Mourdoch for Senate, would you or did you?