U.S. Rep. Todd Akin of Wildwood is leading in the hard-fought battle of conservatives for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, according to early statewide returns. With 515 of the state's 3,428 precints reporting, Akin has 32,050 votes, or 34 percent; followed by 29,675 for former state treasurer Sarah Steelman of Rolla, at 31 percent; and 28,463 for businessman John G. Brunner of Frontenac with 28,463 votes, or 30 percent. Five other candidates trail far behind. There will be much more to count as the night goes on. The winner will face Sen. Claire McCaskill, who is seeking re-election to...