McCaskill, Akin cordial in final debate

Republican Rep. Todd Akin and Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill shake hands Thursday before the start of the second debate in the Missouri Senate race. Photo by The Associated Press.

By The Associated Press

Friday, October 19, 2012

CLAYTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill cast herself as a moderate willing to work with Republicans while GOP challenger Todd Akin repeatedly linked her to the policies of President Barack Obama as they highlighted their differences Thursday night in the final debate of the Missouri Senate race.

McCaskill, who is seeking a second term, asserted Akin has an “extreme record” on women’s issues, education, Medicare and Social Security, among other things. It’s “moderate versus extreme. I think there’s a very big choice for Missourians to make,” she said.

Akin, a congressman from suburban St. Louis, stressed that McCaskill was one of Obama’s earliest supporters in his 2008 campaign and backed his health care and stimulus proposals, which he said have driven up the deficit. “She was his strong right hand,” Akin said.

The hourlong debate before an audience in the Clayton High School auditorium in suburban St. Louis contained nary a mention of the reason why Missouri’s Senate race was propelled into the national spotlight. In mid-August, Akin drew widespread condemnation for remarking in a TV interview that women’s bodies have ways of avoiding pregnancy in cases of “legitimate rape.” He apologized and forged ahead with his campaign despite calls from top Republicans — including presidential candidate Mitt Romney — to drop out.

The candidates remained largely cordial throughout the debate but closed with some personal accusations that were factually shaky.

Akin claimed McCaskill “transferred $39 million to her home business.” That was a reference to an Associated Press article that found that businesses affiliated with McCaskill’s husband, Joseph Shepard, received $39 million in federal housing subsidies during her first five years in office. McCaskill voted for some of the bills — and against others — that funded the departments that provide the subsidies. But the AP found no evidence that McCaskill directly steered any money to her husband’s firms, and McCaskill’s campaign has said none of that money made it into the family’s personal bank accounts.

McCaskill closed the debate by asserting that female staff in Akin’s congressional office made 23 percent less than male staff members. McCaskill’s campaign released an analysis showing that Akin paid his male staffers an average of $15,872.12 per quarter and his female staffers an average of $12,872.12 per quarter over his 12 years in office. But during the most recent quarter, Akin’s female staffers appeared to earn more on average than his male staffers, according to an online listing of salaries.

McCaskill also asserted that “Akin voted to raise his pay.” But pay raises in Congress occur automatically, and many of the votes McCaskill referenced were procedural ones that ended debate on bills, thus preventing consideration of potential amendments attempting to reject automatic raises.

During their answers to questions from panelists and audience members, Akin and McCaskill repeatedly differed on the proper role of the federal government.

McCaskill, for example, criticized Akin’s prior statements in support of abolishing the Education Department and his opposition to a 2010 law that gave the federal government — not banks — direct responsibility for issuing student loans.

“The federal government’s involvement in education is important for our country,” McCaskill said.

Akin countered: “Claire McCaskill seems to think this is a crisis if you don’t have everything done by the federal government.”

He said the federal school lunch program could be administered by states, quipping that the food probably wouldn’t taste any different to students.

Asked later if there were any misconceptions the candidates wanted to clear up, McCaskill said it was wrong for Akin to imply she is not willing to stand up to Obama. She said she opposed some of his energy policies and had wanted him to quickly approve the Keystone XL pipeline to bring oil from Canada to the U.S.

“I don’t even agree with my mother 98 percent of the time, much less the president of the United States,” she said.

On a topic that hadn’t previously received much attention in their race, McCaskill said she supports all forms of stem cell research. Akin said he opposes human embryonic stem cell research, because he believes life begins at conception.

Quarterly financial reports released earlier Thursday show Akin raised $1.6 million from mid-July through the end of September and had about $553,000 remaining in his account at the start of October. That significantly trailed McCaskill, who raised $5.5 million during the period and still had about $2.1 million left in her campaign account.

More like this story

JCLifer 7 months ago

Claire STOMPED Todd in the debate!

Todd could not articulate any plans or goals, and he talked with a very condescending attitude.

Claire was matter-of-fact, seemed to know her content better, and gave good answers to the questions.

Sorry, Republicans, but this is a Senate seat that will stay democrat this year. Someone should give Todd a towel party for not dropping out.

connor 7 months ago

That means Criminal Claire and Her Husband "Dining Room Joe" will have six more years to attempt underhanded "affordable housing" deals. Sad, all that pork and money wasted so feminist can continue to push for guilt free abortions.

dailycaller.com/2012/10/18/whistle-blower-audio-sen-claire-mccaskills-husband-cut-business-deals-in-senate-dining-room/

We will see. Most Missourian's are smart enough to identify a crook when they see one.

bluesfan13 7 months ago

You realize those accusations came from a twice-convicted felon, who only came forward with this info after he was fired for having hidden that from his employer? Why is it all about abortion to you? Is that the only thing you care about?

connor 7 months ago

When you lay with dogs you're gonna get fleas they hired him and he saw what they were up to. disgruntled whistle blowing criminal or not makes no difference that's how they catch most criminals is by other criminals ratting them out.

And I find it sad that so many voters seem to find the abortion thing more important than real fiscal responsibility and would rather see a lying crook in office just so they can get rid of a embryo easier.

bluesfan13 7 months ago

Just because someone doesn't agree with your candidates beliefs, doesn't mean they're voting for the other person because of abortion rights. There are many reasons that I find Todd Akin offensive. The fact that he is Pro-Life is NOT one of them.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months ago

I agree bluesfan, He is not the Medicare, Social Security guy we the people of Missouri need representing us? They ought to put all of Congress on the same plan we the people are on, and they would straighten it out? Saw a good bumber sticker yesterday Voting is like driving a car, Choose (R) to move backwards. Choose (D) to move forward. Rob

connor 7 months ago

Heh. Forward right over the cliff that is. Just because someone receives benefits and likes it doesn't mean you can continue it when you have no money. The rhetoric and emotion speaks for itself deny it for whatever reason you want.

tonto_goldberg 7 months ago

The government prints the money so it does not ever really run out of money. So long as everyone accepts it, the game goes on.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months ago

We were going over the Cliff with Bush 2, if we would not have changed drivers in 2009, we would have looked like one of those cars out at the bottom of Natural Bridge. Bush 2 and his Deregulation! Just let em fail, after all those Bankers, and Wall Streeters cleaned up on everyones SAVINGS! Oh its just paper! I don't need to go backwards with the failed policies of the REPUBLICAN PARTY, and Romneys TRICKINOMETRY! Rob

JCLifer 7 months ago

Things were great under Bush II until his last two years. That is when Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi destroyed everything. Obummer hasn't done anything to fix Pelosi and Frank's mess except spend us into trillions of dollars of debt.

Obummer will soon be unemployed and hopefully we will get some demos out of congress so Romney and Ryan can quickly get things fixed.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months ago

JcLifer, If Bush would have not deregulated everything? If he would have had his eye on the ball instead of the oilfields of Iraq! While the housing market went completely under, when you could by a million dollar house, and just pay interest only? The greedy bankers ran amock with Clinton, and Bush, but when Bush should have been watching? I had longer and more unemployment under Bush 2 than any other President? Reagan is second? Trickle down does not work! I am better off now than 4 years ago! Vote Obama 2012 don't be fooled by Trickenometry! Rob

Kota 7 months ago

I haven't forgot about her last run with Mr. Bob N. Weave ( micheal j fox) lying for her about the stem cell debacle she ran on. Now Mr. Shake Rattle N. Roll isn't around to back her lies and flounder on stage for the sympathy vote. She is a phony and a fraud!

asb 7 months ago

and the better candidate.

JCLifer 7 months ago

Claire will somewhat try to benefit MISSOURIANS. Todd will work only to benefit the RNC.

In this race, Claire is the lesser of the two evils. She is not spotless, but she is so much better than Todd Aiken. That guy is a total mess.

wyriontair 7 months ago

Claire will say and do anything to not address her record, talk about "extreme". If you disagree with her you're labled nasty names by her staff, which she and her staff seem to forget they are supposed to work for "us" not Obama. I truly hope she gets voted out.

RobHunterJohnson 7 months ago

McCaskill in 2012! Rob

Mr_Grimm 7 months ago

The thing that made me the MOST angry about this race was McCaskill's people coming to my house twice to ask me how i was going to vote. It wouldnt have been that big of a deal if the guy hadnt been PUSHY and grabbed my door when i tried to close it. BOTH times I was sitting my family down for dinner and explained I didnt have time for their questions, it was family time.. He argued with me that this was an "important election" and I needed to make time.

I think my response made it clear NONE of them were welcome on my property again as long as i owned it!

ALL politicians need to learn to respect the citizens they are supposed to represent, I think it is SAD how far they ALL have fallen.

earlsmusic 7 months ago

So you think she's watching all of the volunteers on a huge bank of monitors? Did she personally train each one? Did you send a complaint?

Mr_Grimm 7 months ago

Complaint? lol, no. I told him that stepping foot on my property again would be trespassing, and that there was a reason voting booths were private. Who I vote for is my business and none of his or hers. My point, was that her people were the only ones to stop by. And they did it twice.

I'm sick and tired of pushy 2 party politics and all the simple minded zombies that follow along with them. And, im not really concerned with the opinions here they may agree or disagree. Most of what i see here is people dancing for the puppeteers.

spelchek 7 months ago

You get Obamacare, she gets a Cadillac health plan thanks to her vote. Ruling class she is, liberty lover she is not.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Grace, Bush had 8 years of sweeping financial deregulation, that was the fuel for the housing bubble! They were giving away the money ie: Indiviual paying the interest on a million dollar home, the bank still had the assest, until the bank had too many assests, and no market! The Bush TAX CUTS, at a of cost 2.5 trillion over the last decade? TRICKLE DOWN REALLY DID WORK with that 2.5 Trillion! Wars on creditcards, maybe we should have gone to Country Wide for a better rate? How many people lost the life savings to these loan sharks? Bush was after the worker by cutting OSHA, and all other programs that could help,the working man! Deregulated electricity? Here is a quote Washinton Post 10 31 2008 " as many as 90 new regulations are in the works " "National Mining Association officials making the case for easing the rules meant to keep coal slurry waste out of Appalachian streams" That is when the miners remove the mountain top they don't have to worry what runs down hill, and with all of our aging infrastructure there was one for " a rule that allows natural gas pipe lines to operate at higher pressures" I am a Pipefitter I know what pressure can do! Bush 2 was busy even as the country was failing from alot of the bad decisions out of his White House! The best commercial from the period was the guy on a riding lawn mower saying, somebody help me! Some of my neighbors have lost their homes on my street, and probably yours too! I hope I played my cards a little better, I wanted a $200,000. dollar house 20 years ago, I setteled on a $63,000. dollar house and Love it. There is no need for all this ROACH rhetoric. I do not need to go backwards! Romney = TRICKENOMETRY Rob

Oldtimer 6 months, 4 weeks ago

The problem with Mr. Johnson’s entry relative George Bush and “sweeping financial deregulation” is: 1. The Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act was passed by congress and signed by Jimmy Carter in 1980. 2. The Riegle-Neal Interstate Program Banking and Branching efficiency Act was passed by congress and signed by Bill Clinton in 1993. 3. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act was passed by congress and signed by Bill Clinton in 1996, it repealed Glass-Steagall restrictions and that is what really turned banks loose.

connor 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Let's not forget the Community re-investment changes that required things like child support and welfare payments be counted as income while other expenses such as day care could not be counted against the total. The entire housing market was split wide open with most loans going to those who could not pay. Of course it failed. The banks bundled these bad loans up because they had nothing else they could do with them.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 4 weeks ago

SEC 2004 relaxed the rules! 2004 to 2007 the Top 5 banks increased their finacial leverage! These two problems fell on good old George Bush, Bush could have tweeked any of the programs you listed, but he choose not to! He was not interested in anything but the same old stuff Romney is planning to shove down our Throats Rob

Oldtimer 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Mr. Johnson, SEC regulations do not affect banks and they were the ones making the loans and selling nearly worthless paper. The president cannot just tweek laws by fiat. In fact Bush tried to get congress to get Fanny May and Freddy Mac under control but Barney Frank in the Senate and head of the banking committee would have no part of it. I could sympathize with your view but you never consider congress any part of the problem.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 4 weeks ago

What do the Banks invest our savings in? Guess what if you are a Rich man vote Republican, if you are a Working man vote Democrat, Bush could have been on record, but he is not. Remember the Congress job is to make legislation, the President can suggest, and again he did not! He did leave one heck of a mess though that was inherited by Obama. Partisanship is the biggest problem this nation has expeirenced of late. If these fine folks like Akin, the Norquist 90, and who are not subject to the same programs as the average person are allowed to continue on their merry way. They will destroy what has been set in place for all of us as we come to retirement, Romney "if you are over 60 you don't need to listen" Well I am not! are you oldtimer? McCaskill may not be everything we want from a politician, but at least she will have Medicare and Social Security covererd for myself and those like me! Don't fall for the Trickenometry of Romney, Vote Democrat in 2012! Rob

connor 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Ahhhh. The banks don't necessarily "invest" the money since keeping it on the books allows them a 10 to 1 loan ratio. It depends on the type of bank you use. President Bush was pretty much a rubber stamp for the Democrat Congress and Senate spending spree. I fault him for that but the deficit and mess Obama inherited (which isn't really inherited since he knew it going in) was as much Democrat as it was Bush. With Obama the real over spending began. Our retirement in SS was doomed back in the 90's under Clinton when they started spending it. Just like the rest of the world is finding out there is an end to deficit spending and we are all near it.

We have a choice. Step on the gas and go at this cliff full speed like the Democrats want or try and steer for a smaller cliff.

The only way to hold it off for a bit longer and make it easier is to start cutting now and the only way to get that done...Maybe... is to vote Republican in 2012.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Kinda like Its a Wonderful Life! Your money over in Joe's house, and yours in Martini's, then comes along ol Bush for 8 years of Hooverism ! Where is all the money, the Banks have beeen sitting on for the last 4 years, probably in a Money market making .035 % Ok What ever you say Conner. Rob

JCLifer 6 months, 4 weeks ago

All our money is over in Chins cause obama stuck us in debt.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 4 weeks ago

JcLifer, I think your blaming the last chapter in the book, and this was a 1000 page book! Rob

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