Update on Akin

The controversy surrounding Congressman Akin's statements is growing. Yesterday, he appeared on numerous talk radio shows, including Mike Huckabee and Sean Hannity and pledged to remain in the race. Numerous calls have come from several places asking him to step aside and allow another nominee. This includes calls from Mitt Romney and Mitch McConnell.

Just as damaging to Congressman Akin is the pledges by the Republican campaign committee and the independent super PAC Crossroads to each remove $5 million in funding if Akin does not step aside. 

You can see all of these statements and the interview on Huckabee in our writeup on the controversy. 

Congressman Akin has until 5pm today to resign voluntarily and allow another candidate to take his spot. The primary that he recently won had a small margin with him winning only 36% of the vote so any new candidate that is selected will already have the same amount of support.

However, if Akin steps down he will have to leave politics. The second Congressional district nominated Ann Wagner as their candidate to replace Congressman Akin the same day that he won the Senate nomination.