Report: Akin To Make Announcement Tuesday In Creve Coeur

Saturday a.m. Update: Patch has now confirmed an 11 a.m. announcement for Tuesday in Creve Coeur regarding Rep. Todd Akin's political future, according to spokesman Steve Taylor.

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Creve Coeur could be the center of the Missouri political scene on Tuesday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Representative Todd Akin (R-Town and Country) has scheduled an announcement at the in Creve Coeur.

Patch could not reach Rep. Akin's staff for comment Friday night, but the Post-Dispatch, citing "political sources familiar with his thinking," indicated the announcement would be Akin's entrance into the 2012 race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Claire McCaskill.

A call to the hotel late Friday revealed no plans for any event Tuesday.

Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman is the only declared candidate for the GOP nomination. An Akin decision to formally enter the Senate race, while not unexpected after weeks of speculation, would have a domino effect in Missouri politics, as it would accelerate the race to succeed Akin in Congress. The 2nd district, redrawn by state lawmakers within the last month to account for a loss of one congressional seat because of a population decline in Missouri, is set to include Creve Coeur.

Ed Martin, former Governor Matt Blunt's Chief of Staff who narrowly lost in a 2010 bid against Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis) for the 3rd district seat, has entered the GOP race for the House seat after initially announcing a Senate candidacy. Former Republican National Committee Chair Ann Wagner is exploring the race.

Accoring to Politico, Carnahan is bringing House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer to Clayton next week for a fundraiser. He hasn't announced if he will run in the 2nd district or challenge 1st District Rep. William "Lacy" Clay.