Let's just hope that Akin does NOT step down until after Tuesday 5pm.

[Tx4obama]

Because IF he does then the GOP can nominate a different candidate to be on the ticket to run against McCaskill.

See the details here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/19/1121913/-Think-Progress-Conservatives-already-calling-for-Todd-Akin-to-withdraw

And here:

-snip-

MIssouri’s §115.359 appears to require a candidate to withdraw “no later than the eleventh Tuesday prior to the general election” — which, if you’re counting, is this Tuesday. Absent some pretty effective lobbying by Missouri Republicans, there’s little chance Rep. Akin will willingly step down before that deadline. And any lobbying won’t have the benefit of poll numbers, as there’s little time to even conduct a poll before Tuesday. Not that it would matter much, as Rep. Akin’s comments won’t have saturated the electorate, meaning any polls wouldn’t measure much (if any) of the eventual impact of his remarks.

If Rep. Akin does withdraw before 5PM on Tuesday, the Republicans in Missouri could nominate someone else pursuant to §115.363(3)(3). In such an event, under §115.369, the party would have two weeks and a day to pick somebody new.

-snip-

http://adamsteinbaugh.com/2012/08/19/can-rep-todd-akin-withdraw-sure-but-its-unlikely/

[RandySF]

1. I think he will.

The Republicans must have that seat if they are to win a majority.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Yes, unfortunately. I am sure they are putting all kinds of pressure

on him right now to step back and let someone else run.

[MrSlayer]

2. They'll just put in someone as crazy as this asshole.

Let him stay.

[AlinPA]

3. I don't see why he would step down. He is just following the GOP platform and ideology.

Besides he already told the media that he "misspoke" and that's all republicans need to do in cases like this. IMO, Missouri voters will still poll him in the lead.

[orwell]

4. He won't step down...

...his dumb-ass remarks will make him a hero to the permanent victims on the right.

They don't care what he said because he is on their "team" and he is rightfully under attack.

They live for these holy wars...

[GoCubsGo]

5. I don't see it happening, either.

He'll find some way of going after McCaskill to where people will forget about this.

[AndyTiedye]

6. Why Would He Step Down? He's Winning

[Tx4obama]

7. After his screw up today he will not be winning.

Check out the top headline on the front page of HuffingtonPost.com

[AndyTiedye]

15. Evidently Not. There Must be Something Terribly Wrong with Missouri

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014201396

[TroyD]

8. What's more likely?

So what's more likely? That he will be forced to step down by the Republicans before Tuesday so they can try to salvage the seat, or that he will try to tough it out and still has a chance to win in November?

What's the sentiment in Missouri tonight? Anyone know?

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. His lead was too big for him to see significant erosion before Tuesday

He won't step down.

This does make him vulnerable, however.

[WestSeattle2]

11. This speaks volumes about where the republican party is in

2012. Every republican running for election needs to be asked in public forums if they agree with Akin's statements regarding rape. There needs to be clarification - does Akin stand alone, or do all republicans believe the same thing?

Occasionally a republican slips up and reveals a belief held by most if not all republicans that is repugnant to normal Americans. Is this one of those times?

[jonpaulprime]

12. Republicans Want to Legitimately Rape America

video:

Only Obama can stop them!

[WI_DEM]

13. I don't see him stepping down.

[TroyD]

14. Conflicting Reports

There seem to be conflicting reports. On the one hand there are reports that Akin's advisers are preparing for him to withdraw tomorrow, on the other hand he has just posted on Twitter that "‘I Am In This Race To Win"