The facts don't seem to bear you out. Pennsylvania and Missouri are very different electorally.
Missouri went Rep in 1980, 1984, 1988, 2000, 2004, and 2008.
During that same period PA went Rep 1980, 1984, and 1988--the Reagan and Bush 41 years. Since 1992 PA has been a solid blue state. Obama won PA 54.5% to 48.4%. Obama barely lost Missouri.
I saw Rick Santorum get SLAUGHTERED in 2006 for making similar gaffes that the press blew out of proportion. Only minor difference is that Santorum ran against the (downright worthless) son of a popular former Governor. In the case of Akin, he’s running against an incumbent loaded with cash. Kind of similar if you ask me.
Santorum ran into a national buzz saw in 2006. The Dems took back both houses of Congress and a number of governorships. Dissatisfaction with Bush 43 was rampant-not only among Dems but also Reps. The wars, excessive spending, and various other issues spelled doom for the Reps. The Dems got 52% of the national vote compared to 44% for the Reps. The Reps lost 6 senate seats in 2006 and the Dems had all of their 14 incumbents win reelection.
As a result of the 2006 gubernatorial elections, there were 28 Democratic governors and 22 Republican governors, a reversal of the numbers held by the respective parties prior to the elections.
Santorum's loss was more a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever happens in 2012, the senate race will be close. McCaskill"s record hasn't changed nor has Akin's.
“Missouri went Rep in 1980, 1984, 1988, 2000, 2004, and 2008.........”
Please note I said “similar” (though I admittedly underestimated MO in terms of recent Presidential elections).
However, as far as “solid blue” is concerned ... Gore won PA by 3% in 2000 and Kerry won PA by < 3% in 2004. Trust me, its not that blue of a state despite 2008. The state is trending “better” overall. 2010 was quite a nice recovery from 2008. I hold some hope for 2012, but not much.
“Santorum ran into a national buzz saw in 2006.”
Much like Akin is charging head first into the national buzzsaw.
Please, PLEASE understand that I hope I am wrong :-). I know I’m contributing to what people in the Akin camp (terrible way to refer to this) are seeing as “ the chicken little syndrome of 2012”, but my first thoughts ran to Rick Santorum when this whole thing unfolded.