This morning, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) has a new campaign ad titled "Forgiveness." Could it be his last?
The chorus of voices calling for Akin to abandon his Senate bid against incumbent Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill continues to grow, with added urgency ahead of today's 5p deadline that would avoid court involvement and allow the GOP to substitute a candidate. However, the candidate's biggest concern may be his ability to actually campaign in the race. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has cancelled plans to spend $5 million in support of Rep. Akin's bid. Influential conservative groups American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS have also pulled their support from the race, where they have already spent $5.4 million. Couple that with the uphill battle the Akin campaign is likely to face in its own fundraising efforts, and it makes for a tough challenge.
So, will Rep. Akin withdraw by day's end? Let us know, and tune in at noon ET on NOW.
PANEL
Kurt Andersen, Author, “True Believers” (@kbandersen)
Glenn Thrush, Sr. White House Reporter, POLITICO (@glennthrush)
Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times (@lynnsweet)
John Heilemann, New York Magazine/msnbc Political Analyst (@jheil)
GUESTS
Chris Cilizza, The Washington Post/msnbc Contributor (@thefix) [DC Bureau]
Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform (@grovernorquist) [DC NC]