JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The chairman of the Missouri Republican Party says Congressman Todd Akin is threatening the party's chances of winning in November by remaining in the U.S. Senate race.
Chairman David Cole said in a memo to members of the Republican State Committee that Akin's comments about pregnancy and rape are "not just a distraction" but "pose a threat to our party's chances of retaking control of the U.S. Senate" and could affect other Missouri races.
Akin has refused the calls of top Republicans to drop his challenge to Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill after making comments that women's bodies have ways of avoiding pregnancy in cases of "legitimate rape." Akin has apologized and said he misspoke.
Akin sent new fundraising emails Wednesday seeking to restock his campaign.