Two months after his “legitimate rape” comments, Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin is quietly earning the support of some Republicans who see his victory as key to any hope of winning a majority in the Senate. But Democratic incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill is out with stark new ads that seem sure to burn Akin’s words in voters’ minds once and for all.
“I’m a Republican, a pro-life mother, and a rape survivor,” a woman identified as Diana says in one ad. “In the hospital, I was offered emergency contraception. Because of my personal beliefs, I declined. Here’s what else I believe: No woman should be denied that choice.”
The three 30-second spots all feature survivors of sexual assaults who say they believe that women who are raped should have access to emergency contraception, which Akin opposes. Two of the women also mention that they are pro-life.
Despite the firestorm over Akin’s comments, McCaskill held a less than 1 percent lead over Akin in a recent local poll, which is well within the margin of error.
