MO: Akin could really blow this

[Keystone Phil]

...it's really strange how I was randomly reading up on Specter's 1992 primary opponent a few hours ago and how he said basically the same thing.

This throws everything in the air. What a jackass.

[Keystone Phil]

Let's cross our fingers for a Torricelli-Lautenberg move here.

[Keystone Phil]

Well, this is a first step - the idea of a withdrawal is being discussed - http://twitchy.com/2012/08/19/todd-akin-has-until-tuesday-aug-21-to-drop-out-of-u-s-senate-race/

[Keystone Phil]

Akin is supposedly holding a press conference at 3 PM Central.

[Keystone Phil]

Akin doesn't have to withdraw by tomorrow. He can be removed (of course, if he agrees) by court order - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/20/the-two-ways-todd-akin-could-withdraw/

The state GOP committee would then pick a replacement.

[Keystone Phil]

Cornyn is gently trying to push Akin out.

[Keystone Phil]

Sabato claims NRSC is pulling out. Crossroads already pulled out.

[Keystone Phil]

Dana Bash also reported that the NRSC has told him to get out. Romney all but called on him to quit. Now what's this I hear about 9/25 or something?

That's the second deadline. To withdraw then, he needs a court order unless the state election board shows good reason why they cannot accept it.

[Keystone Phil]

Erik Erikson claims Akin is quitting. Reported five minutes ago.

[Keystone Phil]

Just putting it out there, but if Akin made these comments in 2004, would the reaction by the GOP be the same? T'was the height of the religious right after all, and FRC are defending him now.

As someone that is religious and opposed to abortion (though with exceptions), I have to say that's a really asinine thing you just said.

[Keystone Phil]

Sabato also suggested that to avoid intraparty divisions the MO GOP could nominate Jim Talent or Matt Blunt. Dunno how realistic that is, but we'll find out tomorrow.

I'm rooting for Talent either way.

[Keystone Phil]

They can't do any better than the guy who lost last time and the old Governor who epic failed so badly he didn't run again because he was trailing by double digits?

Yeah, so it will be even more pathetic if Claire loses to one of them, right?

[Keystone Phil]

This may have been answered before, but who gets to pick Akin's replacement if he leaves?

MO GOP State Committee members

And of course he isn't running for his House seat right now. Former Ambassador Ann Wagner is the GOP nominee there.

[Keystone Phil]

Report that Paul Ryan called Akin yesterday. Source says it was "not a brief call." Ryan apparently didn't ask him to drop out...which I don't buy.

[Keystone Phil]

You'd think a campaign in such desperation mode would use spell check!

...that's the card Akin is playing? Really? Sorry but I don't think donors are going to make the connection. Too loose.

[Keystone Phil]

You'd think a campaign in such desperation mode would use spell check!

...that's the card Akin is playing? Really? Sorry but I don't think donors are going to make the connection. Too loose.

If Republican rank-and-file cede their right to pick nominees to the establishment in Washington, then Charlie Crist will be the type of "Republican" they select. The seemlessness of Crist's transition from "Republican" to "Independent" to liberal Democrat ought to be an eyeopener to the rank-and-file.

I'm not disagreeing that Crist/Crist types are typically the choices of the bosses and that the rank and file members shouldn't cede their right to choose (look who you're talking to here). I'm questioning the use of the Crist example as a contribution strategy. I just don't think people are going to make the connection (even politically saavy donors in Missouri).

[Keystone Phil]

I think it's been clear for awhile that he's staying in...