THE "SHOW ME THE DOOR" STATE – AT 8:53 A.M. ET:  We're intensely following developments in Missouri, where Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin, as of this morning, is still holding out against demands that he leave the Senate race.

Akin, as readers know, made a foolish comment about women several days ago, and virtually every major Republican is now pressuring him to give up his nomination.  In blatantly dishonest statements, some Dems are trying to link Akin to Mitt Romney, even though Romney has severely censured him in public. 

It may take a call from Romney, with a clear threat, to get Akin out of the race today.  If Romney has to make that call, he should publicize it as a demonstration of leadership.  From WaPo:

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and the entire GOP national political apparatus launched a swift and relentless crusade against one of their own Monday, seeking to drive Rep. Todd Akin out of the U.S. Senate race in Missouri after his controversial comments on rape and pregnancy threatened the party with widespread political harm.

“Congressman Akin’s comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable and, frankly, wrong,” Romney told the National Review early Monday. His remarks were soon followed by calls from two GOP senators to withdraw and statements later from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), the party’s chief Senate campaign strategist, meant to push Akin aside.

Akin’s Senate race in Missouri against the embattled Democratic incumbent, Sen. Claire McCaskill, has been regarded as one of the most competitive in the country and one of the best opportunities for the GOP to grab a seat.

But, fearing the Akin controversy may cost them more than just that one race, Romney and Senate GOP leaders urged Akin to step aside and pulled funds from what they once considered a sure pickup. Democrats hope to capitalize on Akin’s troubles, but it was the Republican response that brought the most pressure to bear. GOP leaders made the decision early Monday to try to forcefully push Akin out well before next week’s national party convention, leaving his campaign in tatters by day’s end.

COMMENT:   Should Akin find some way to stay in the race, Romney should announce that he will not endorse him, not support him, and not permit him anywhere near a Romney rally.

Then Romney should turn his guns on Democrats who have made ugly remarks, and ask where the Democratic leadership has been?

August 21,  2012