Rumors are circulating that Rep. Todd Akin will withdraw from his campaign for a Senate seat in Missouri following his controversial comments about pregnancy and rape.
“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down,” Akin said in an interview regarding abortion as an option for rapes that result in pregnancy.
The backlash was instant. Akin later issued an apology, saying he “misspoke,” but it didn’t do much to quell the criticism. The national GOP informed Akin that it will not will spend money on his campaign against incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill, according to the Washington Post.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who is charged with helping the GOP win control of the Senate, spoke out against Akin’s comments.
Congressman Akin’s statements were wrong, offensive, and indefensible,” Cornyn said, according to the LA Times. “I recognize that this is a difficult time for him, but over the next twenty-four hours, Congressman Akin should carefully consider what is best for him, his family, the Republican Party, and the values that he cares about and has fought for throughout his career in public service.”
Now, political consultant Richard Grenell and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson have both tweeted that Akin will be withdrawing from the race all together, come Tuesday. Akin has yet to confirm the claim.
