By Kevin Murphy
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct 8 (Reuters) – Todd Akin, the
Republican candidate in Missouri’s closely watched U.S. Senate
race, said on Monday his campaign has raised $1 million in
online donations.
Akin made the announcement and thanked donors on Twitter.
A six-term congressman from St. Louis, Akin is trying to
unseat Democrat Claire McCaskill in what could be a pivotal race
for control of the U.S. Senate.
Akin drew national attention and strong rebukes from
prominent members of his own party in August when he said women
have a biological defense against pregnancies that might be
caused by “legitimate rapes.” He retracted the comment and
apologized, but was urged by leading Republicans to step aside.
Late last week, McCaskill said she had raised $5.8 million
in the quarter ended Sept. 30. Akin has not reported his total
funds raised in the quarter, but both candidates must file
reports by Oct. 15 disclosing revenue and spending.
The $1 million raised online was an “individual goal” and
not tied to the quarterly timeline, Akin spokesman Ryan Hite
said in an e-mail. Last week, Akin reached out to supporters on
Twitter, asking them to make contributions from as little as $3
to help him reach $1 million.
Some large groups, such as the National Republican
Senatorial Committee, had pulled funding from Akin after his
comments on rape. That group and some other state and national
organizations have since endorsed him but it remains to be seen
whether he will receive their financial backing.
At a campaign appearance on Saturday, Akin said support from
establishment Republicans is returning but is mixed.
“It all depends on who you are talking to,” Akin said. “We
have a whole lot of people on board, some of them more willing
than others.”
(Editing by James B. Kelleher)
