Republicans Make Akin Pariah to Blunt Anti-Women Label
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A failed effort by the Republican hierarchy to drive U.S. Senate nominee Todd Akin out of the Missouri race underscores the party’s weakness with women voters that might cost it the White House and control of Congress.
Akin’s misstep, saying on Aug. 19 that “legitimate rape” rarely leads to pregnancy, risks turning the election into one about women’s reproductive rights -- and bad medical guidance. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is determined to focus on President Barack Obama’s economic stewardship.