Tuesday Deadline Looming For Akin To Stay Or Get Out Of Senate Bid

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's comments on Sunday to FOX2's Charles Jaco suggesting that victims of "legitimate rape" have a built-in defense against pregancy have dominated the national political conversation in the past day and a half. That continued into Monday evening, when Akin failed to appear for a scheduled interview with CNN's Piers Morgan. 

Morgan called the Wildwood Republican a "gutless twerp" for missing the interview, as the program showed Akin's empty chair in a studio.

Three new polls tied to the race emerged Monday as public pressure continues to mount from inside the GOP and outside for Akin to drop out of the race before a Tuesday evening deadline for candidates to exit without court proceedings.

• North Carolina-based Public Policy Polling showed Akin leading McCaskill 44-43 percent. 
• A Survey USA Poll indicated 54 percent of Missourians think Akin should quit the race.
• Patch Poll: 

Patch readers have chimed in with a robust discussion over Akin's remarks on the first item we posted about the controversy — and discussion that's still running, so it's not too late to join in.

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Here's a round-up of coverage from Patch editors — and Patch readers who have chimed in with blog posts in our Local Voices section. 

Claire McCaskill appeared on MSNBC Monday to discuss Todd Akin's comment on 'legitimate rape,' which she calls a 'gut-check' for Missourians.

The Wildwood Republican told Mike Huckabee's national radio program Monday afternoon he will not step down as the Missouri GOP's nominee despite firestorm over weekend comments about "legitimate rape."

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate rape" prompt questions about definitions of rape—such as forcible/assault rape versus date rape and statutory rape—as well as whether females can get pregnant in all incidences of rape.

The leading provider, educator and protector for reproductive health care in the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri for 80 years issues a definite response to Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate" rape.

In the interview with Charles Jaco, the Senate candidate said "legitimate rape" would not cause pregnancy. Late Sunday night, the Romney-Ryan campaign weighed in.

In just a few hours, Todd Akin's comment drew angry, confused, stunned and downright funny reactions from comedians, actors and people across the country.

LOCAL VOICES: Blog posts by our readers

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Unless you have the mindset of a stone age tool-maker, rape doesn't need a qualifier or new definition. Rape is rape. Period.

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Representative Todd Akin's Sunday comment takes this blogger back to 175 year old bit of forgotten Missouri history.