There have been a flurry of statements issued Tuesday afternoon calling for Republican US Representative Todd Akin to drop out of the race for the U.S. Senate.
Fellow Republican US Senator Roy Blunt issued this statement in an email to media:
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt called U.S. Representative Todd Akin’s recent statements “totally unacceptable” and issued the following joint statement together with former Missouri U.S. Senators John Ashcroft, Kit Bond, John Danforth, and Jim Talent calling for Akin to step aside: “We do not believe it serves the national interest for Congressman Todd Akin to stay in this race. The issues at stake are too big, and this election is simply too important. The right decision is to step aside.”
The Associated Press is reporting Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney referenced that statement in his appeal to Akin.
Romney says, quote, "I think he should accept their counsel and exit the Senate race."
Meantime, the two large entities threatening to pull funds to support Akin’s run also issued statements this afternoon. American Crossroads President and CEO Steven Law:
“Rep. Akin faces a simple choice: Will he help Democrats hold the McCaskill seat and potentially the Senate majority by staying in the race, or will he help Republicans defeat Barack Obama's most reliable ally in the Senate by getting out?”
And Brian Walsh, Communications Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC):
“This is undoubtedly a difficult time for Congressman Akin, but the stakes in this election are far bigger than any one individual. By staying in this race, Congressman Akin is putting at great risk many of the issues that he and others in the Republican Party are fighting for, including the repeal of ObamaCare. It should not be lost on anyone that some of the only voices not calling for Congressman Akin to do the right thing and step aside are Claire McCaskill and the leaders of the pro-abortion movement. Senator McCaskill knows that the only way she wins re-election is if Todd Akin is her opponent in November. We continue to hope that Congressman Akin will do the right thing for the values he holds dear, but there should be no mistake – if he continues with this misguided campaign, it will be without the support and resources of the NRSC.”
