The latest in Rep. Todd Akin's saga has turned into a tug of war between his candidacy and the Republican National Committee (RNC). Reince Priebus , chairman of the RNC, told interviewers at the Republican National Convention on Monday that the national party isn't "sending him a penny" for his campaign. Akin's campaign fired back.
What is at stake regarding Akin's relationship with the RNC?
Politico reports Akin could be the beneficiary of $5 million of campaign cash . Unfortunately, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is threatening to pull funding if Akin doesn't withdraw. The added cash benefits local media markets and brings more national attention to the Missouri race. Instead, that money may be spent elsewhere if the RNC follows through on its threat.
Why are national Republicans withholding money from Akin's campaign?
Priebus also asserted in the same interview that Akin should step aside and let someone else go up against incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill. The reasoning is that Republican leaders want to win that seat. The perception from the national committee is that Akin can't win now that his statements regarding "legitimate rape" have caused him to plummet in polls taken of Missouri voters.
What was the Akin campaign's response to Priebus' statement?
KSDK posted a statement by Akin's campaign. Perry Akin, the representative's campaign manager, called Priebus' comments "extremely disappointing ... This betrays his personal vendetta against Todd Akin. He is putting party power and political games ahead of the good of the country."
Further, USA Today posted a partial text of an interview Akin did with a local television station. The candidate said he will keep moving forward "as a matter of principle." Akin also said, "The people of Missouri did speak" and his the choice for Republican voters in his state.
What new advertisements are running for Akin despite the lack of funds?
The newest advertisement run by the conservative candidate compares Akin's six-second mistake to McCaskill's six-year record in the nation's capital. In the end, Akin asks, "What's this election about? Saving our country." Politico got an early look at the advertisement before it aired across Missouri. Akin also slammed McCaskill for voting for Obamacare and siding with President Barack Obama's policies 98 percent of the time.
What do new polls say about Akin's favorability rating?
Two new polls are out this week. A survey conducted by Wenzel Strategies interviewed 829 people. Akin led McCaskill 45 percent to 42 percent with 13 percent undecided. Akin held a 10 percent advantage among independent voters. Politico reports the Wenzel poll was commissioned by the Family Research Council , a group with close ties to the conservative candidate. Despite his lead over McCaskill, half of the voters surveyed had an unfavorable impression of Akin. The margin of error is 3.38 percent.
William Browning is a research librarian specializing in U.S. politics.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/missouri-senate-race-becomes-three-way-tug-war-190100972.html
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