Todd Akin not quitting Mo. Senate race

(CBS News) Republicans had expected to pick up a U.S. Senate seat in Missouri because Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill was in trouble there. But then her GOP challenger, Todd Akin, was denounced by his own party for things he had said about rape. Tuesday was the deadline for Akin to drop out and clear the way for another Republican candidate, and he didn't.

Congressman Akin said he owes it to his supporters to stay in the race.

"I don't believe that is really my decision. The decision was made by the voters of the state of Missouri," he said to an audience and was greeted by applause.

It's an announcement establishment Republicans have been dreading, ever since Akin, who opposes abortion even in the case of rape, said women rarely become pregnant from rape.

Todd Akin showing no signs of ending Senate run
Video: GOP's Akin faces pressure, but gains support from Gingrich

"If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down," he said in August.

Many leading Republicans, including Mitt Romney, called on Akin to get out of the race, fearing his remarks would send women fleeing from the Republican Party.

Top Republican fundraiser Karl Rove withdrew his promise to shower super PAC money on Akin's campaign. He told a group of Republican contributors, in what he thought was a secret meeting: "We should sink Todd Akin. If he's found mysteriously murdered, don't look for my whereabouts."

Rove apologized and Akin said now the attacks from leaders of his own party are firing up his conservative supporters.

"And I believe it's backfiring," said Akin, "and my sense is that there is a tremendous grassroots movement in this state to say, 'We are tired of all these people in authority trying to impose more Washington down our throats.'"

All the turmoil has been a blessing for Akin's opponent, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. A supporter of health care reform, she was given little chance of winning re-election in this increasingly conservative state.

But the polls now show her with a small lead, which she attributes in part to Akin's comment on abortion.

"But I think what has happened in this race has re-energized a lot of our supporters," said McCaskill, "and so our volunteers are up, our low-level donations are up."

The Missouri Senate seat was supposed to be an easy pick up for the Republicans. But now if they lose, many Republicans here in Missouri say the party leaders back in Washington will have no one to blame but themselves.

[antoniof123]

What is it about hard liners that make them stupid or are they born that way?

[RollotheNorman]

Thank you, Todd. I and Harry Reid certainly appreciate you decision.

[thebob-bob]

A clear statement from DeMint, Gingrich and the batpoup-crazy mysoginistic wing of the Republican Party. Women! Back in the kitchen and the bedroom! Men will decide if you can have babies, if you are legitimately raped or not. Mustn't be a Jezebel and wear suggestive clothing or go on a date with the guy before he rapes you or be a seductive Lolita, then you're just asking for it. On birth-control?? You must be a sl>t and must have had lots of partners and you know what that makes you, don't you. A guy can have lot's of partners but not you.

Bring on the Religious Right, the im-Moral minority and let them decide what you can and can't do because men know better. Right?

[eroteme2]

But who are we to demand Akin's constituents keep him as their senator or to vote him out of office. For myself nobody will successfully tell me who to vote for or against. This includes someone knocking at my door, telephoning me, or lettering me.

[eroteme2]

Akin should resign for exposing his stupidity. Most congressmen (people?) successfully keep their stupidity out of the public eye, or successfully keep their constituents from finding out. They are in an exalted position, elevating themsselves to a most likely lifetime position of 'respect' with lifetime financial advantage including outrageous retirement income.

[msimamaji]

Todd Aken is a psycho. If the people of Missouri send Aken to the Senate, what are they telling us about themselves?

We need to re-hire Obama and fire the entire GOP - AKA the Grand Old Psychopaths.

[TJphoto]

Todd, I'm glad you are staying. As one who remembers all the republican lies, election after election, I'm REALLY glad you are staying.

[TheLondonPerspective]

"Vote for Todd Akin. I am Jack the Ripper and I approve of this message!"

[nohater]

but will anyone vote for him? the number of votes he gets in the election will tell a great deal about the mindset of voters in MO. will he get a majority of votes or just a few? time will tell.

[treatise55]

It would all depend if the votes are really legitimate votes. When it comes to Missouri and people who still support this guy you really have to wonder ... I'm thinking that if they are truly legitimate votes than the Republic party will probably find ways to shut that thing down.

[I am the Tea Party Leader]

When a democrats misspeaks there is laughter, a yawn, then a free pass is given out. When a republican misspeaks, acknowledges their misspoken words and apologizes there still is no forgiveness from the liberal/progressives. Another double standard from the left.

[nanc12]

It's no double standard, because he didn't "misspeak." He truly believes that pregnancy can't happen in a "legitimate rape." I'm sure he believes there aren't really many "legitimate" rapes, too. He also wants to do away with Social Security, says Medicare is unconstitutional, wants to eliminate minimum wage, and get rid of student loans. I think as the people of Missouri really get to know what he stands for, they'll realize what a nutcase he is.