Gingrich aide joining Akin's campaign

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - An aide to former Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is joining the U.S. Senate bid of embattled Missouri Congressman Todd Akin.

Former Gingrich aide Rick Tyler confirmed Thursday to The Associated Press that he is going to work for Akin's campaign. Tyler's addition comes as Akin is just beginning to resume traditional campaign events after repeatedly apologizing for inflammatory comments about rape and pregnancy that aired Aug. 19.

Tyler had worked with Gingrich's private-sector endeavors long before joining his presidential campaign. But Tyler left Gingrich's presidential campaign and later served as an adviser to an independent political action committee called "Winning Our Future," which was set up to aid Gingrich's efforts.

Akin was to participate Thursday evening in a parade in the northern Missouri town of Bethany.