On the day Congressman Todd Akin decided to stay in the race for Senate in Missouri, a progressive PAC joined in the fight to defeat him. AmericanBridge21st Century just released a web-video highlighting some of Akin's controversial statements, many on the floor of the House.
Republicans were sure of victory in this state over Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill until Akin made his controversial "legitimate rape" comments. With the exception of Newt Gingrich, GOP insiders have been trying to convince Akin to drop out and Tuesday was the final deadline for him to quit. He did not.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has said it will not contribute money to Akin's race but Republican South Carolina Senator Jim Demint is considering using his PAC to help Akin's campaign and is asking the NRSC to reconsider. There has not been a poll in this race since immediately after the "rape comments" but RealClearPolitics has moved the state from TossUp to Lean Democratic.
AmericanBridge describes itself as a "progressive research and communications organization committed to holding Republicans accountable for their words and actions."
[UPDATE]: Politico reports that the NRSC is now on the fence about Akin.
From Politico:
Rob Jesmer, executive director of the committee, said in a Wednesday statement that his campaign committee would "continue to monitor this race" and that Akin is the "far more preferable candidate" now that a Tuesday drop-out deadline has passed."There is no question that for Missourians who believe we need to stop the reckless Washington spending, rein-in the role of government in people's lives, and finally focus on growing jobs that Todd Akin is a far more preferable candidate than liberal Senator Claire McCaskill," Jesmer said. "As with every Republican Senate candidate, we hope Todd Akin wins in November and we will continue to monitor this race closely in the days ahead."