Difference between revisions of "Todd Akin"

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Rep. '''Todd Akin''' (R - [[MO]]) is a [[movement conservative]] in [[Missouri]] who is the [[Republican Party]] nominee for one of the most-watched races for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 2012.  He has represented a portion of the greater [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]] area in the [[House of Representatives]] since 2000.  Prior to that he served 12 years in the Missouri General Assembly. In late July 2011 he said, "... at the heart of [[liberalism]] really is a hatred for God and a belief that government should replace [[God]]." [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/rep-todd-akin-refuses-to-apologize-for-saying-at-the-heart-of-liberalism-is-a-hatred-for-god/] [http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2011/06/28/congressmans-claim-liberals-hate-god/]  
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{{Infobox officeholder
 +
| name=William Todd Akin
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| image=Todd Akin, official 109th Congress photo.jpg
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| office=[[United States Representative]] for [[Missouri]]'s 2nd congressional district
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| term_start=January 3, 2001
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| term_end=January 3, 2013
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| preceded=[[Jim Talent]]
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| succeeded=Ann L. Wagner
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| office2=Missouri State Representative<br> for the 86th district
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| term_start2=January 3, 1993
 +
| term_end2=January 3, 2001
 +
| preceded2=John Hancock
 +
| succeeded=Jane Cunningham
 +
| office3=Missouri State Representative<br> for the 85th district
 +
| term_start3=January 3, 1989
 +
| term_end3=January 3, 1993
 +
| preceded3=Franc Flotron
 +
| succeeded3=Chris Liese
 +
| birth_date=July 5, 1947
 +
| birth_place=[[New York City]]
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| death_date=October 3, 2021 (aged 74)
 +
| death_place=Wildwood, St. Louis County,<br>Missouri
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| party=[[Republican Party|Republican]]
 +
| spouse=Lulli Boe Akin (married 1975-2021, his death)
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| children=Six children
 +
| religion=[[Christian]]
 +
| alma_mater=Worcester Polytechnic Institute<br>(Bachelor of Science)<br>Covenant Theological Seminary<br> (Master of Divinity)
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| branch=[[United States Army]]<br>
 +
Missouri Army National Guard<br>
 +
United States Army Reserve
 +
| serviceyears=1972–1980
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| unit=[[United States Army Corps of Engineers]]}}
  
Todd Akin has never lost an election, and has repeatedly won upset victories against more [[liberal]] opponents who have spent far more money than he has.
 
  
A [[veteran]], Congressman Akin has been a leader on military issues in the [[Republican Party]] in [[Congress]]. He is also a minister who has championed the greater use of [[prayer]] and [[charity]].  His family has [[homeschooled]] their children.
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'''William Todd Akin''' (July 5, 1947 &ndash; October 3, 2021) was a [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[U.S. Representative]] for [[Missouri]]'s second congressional district. He was born in [[New York City]]. In 2012, he was the Republican nominee for one of the most-watched races for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 2012, which he lost against the incumbent [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] [[senator]] [[Claire McCaskill]] when a [[Libertarian Party]] candidate siphoned off support. Akin was first elected to Congress in 2000. Prior to that he served twelve years in two different districts in the Missouri General Assembly. He was replaced in the second district House seat by fellow Republican Ann L. Wagner.
  
== [[Media bullying]] of Akin ==
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Todd Akin repeatedly won upset victories against more [[liberal]] opponents who outspent him and lost only after the [[liberal media]] made it a priority to defeat him and [[pro-aborts]] nationwide poured money into the campaign of his opponent.
  
On August19, 2012 in an interview with local TV host Charles Jaco, Todd Akin addressed a suggestion that there should be a broad [[rape]] exception to any limits on [[abortion]]. Akin distinguished between an actual rape and a false allegation of rape by referring to the former as a "legitimate rape," an ambiguous word choice that the [[liberal media]] then unfairly took out of context. Akin's statement from the interview was:<ref>McMorris-Santoro, Evan. "Republican Senate Nominee: Victims Of ‘Legitimate Rape’ Don’t Get Pregnant." August 19, 2012. Talking Points Memo. http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/todd-akin-legitimate-rape.php</ref>
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[[Conservapedia]] was paying attention to Akin's Senate run before the [[liberal media]] and [[RINO Backers]] ganged up against him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Presidential_Nominations_2012&action=historysubmit&diff=1003072&oldid=1003071#Republican_Contenders_for_the_Nomination<|title=Republican Contenders for the Nomination|publisher=[[Conservapedia]]|accessdate=October 6, 2021}}</ref> After [[Mitt Romney]] unnecessarily denounced Todd Akin, Romney himself lost credibility and [[pro-life]] support, and was then defeated by [[Barack Hussein Obama]] by a larger-than-expected margin in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. The hatchet job against Akin may have been done by political consultants who later became [[Opposition to Donald Trump|Never-Trumpers]], and were themselves discredited.
{{cquote|“First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.}}
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==Background==
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Akin is the son of Nancy Perry (née Bigelow) and Paul B. Akin. Both Akin's father and grandfather served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Laclede Steel Company. He graduated from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, [[Massachusetts]], with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1971.<ref name=bluebook/>
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Following his college graduation, he served as an officer in the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] with the Army Combat Engineers,  then served in the Army Reserve until 1980.<ref name=bluebook>[http://cdm.sos.mo.gov/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fstatepub&CISOPTR=99477&REC=17&CISOBOX=akin  Official Manual of the State of Missouri, 1993-1994], p. 157</ref><ref>[http://akin.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=2  Biography], Congressman Todd Akin, Missouri's 2nd District, retrieved August 23, 2012.</ref>  After leaving active duty, Akin worked as a salesman for IBM marketing large computer systems, and later went to work in management in the family steel business.<ref name=bluebook/>
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In 1984, Akin earned a divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, but entered politics rather than the ministry.<ref name=legacy>{{cite news|title=Small legacy, loyal allies|author=Stephanie McCrummen and David A Fahrenthold|work=Washington Post|date=August 23, 2012|page=A1}}</ref>  He was elected to the Missouri legislature in 1988.<ref name=legacy/>
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==2012 Senate campaign==
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Akin won the August 7, 2012, Republican [[primary]] for the U.S. Senate seat in a three-way field.<ref name=wsj2>{{cite news|title=Todd Akin's Sinking Ship|publisher=''the Wall Street Journal''|page=A12|date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> Akin was endorsed by fellow Representatives [[Michele Bachmann]] of [[Minnesota]] and [[Steve King]] of [[Iowa]],<ref>https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/24282/akin_tea_party_endorsement_041212</ref> the [[Club for Growth]] and the [[U.S. Chamber of Commerce]] backed John Brunner in the primary, while [[Sarah Palin]] supported former state official Sarah Steelman.<ref>Paul Kane and Ed O'Keefe, ''The Washington Post,'' August 22, 2012, p. A4.</ref> In an April primary debate, Akin said that federally guaranteed student loans were a "Stage 3 cancer of socialism."<ref name=wp910>{{cite web|title=With Senate at stake, GOP awaits Akin's next move|author=Rosalind S. Helderman and Jason Horowitz|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/with-senate-at-stake-gop-waits-on-akins-next-move-mccaskill-goes-on-offense/2012/09/09/584d77bc-f8ef-11e1-8398-0327ab83ab91_story.html|publisher=''The Washington Post''|page=A1|date=September 10, 2012}}</ref>
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Akin ran against the Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in the general election. Two weeks after his primary victory, Akin defended his principled [[pro-life]] position by indicating his opposition to [[abortion]] for pregnancy supposedly due to rape. A media firestorm ensued (see below), perhaps initiated by [[RINO]]s, but true [[conservatives]] defended Akin's principled remarks.  For example, Connie Mackey of the [[Family Research Council]] called the discussion of Akin's remarks "another case of 'gotcha politics' against a conservative leader." On August 22, Akin met with leaders of the [[Council for National Policy]] in [[Tampa]], [[Florida]], who indicated their unwavering support for his campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80027.html|title=Todd Akin in Tampa with top social conservatives|date=August 22, 2012|publisher=Politico|author=Kate Nocera|accessdate=August 23, 2012}}</ref>
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On August 24, 2012, Akin held a press conference to announce, "We are going to be here through the November election and we are going to be here to win,” he said. Akin added, “there may be some negotiations but they don’t include me.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2012/08/24/todd-akin-we-are-going-to-be-here-through-the-november-election/|title=Todd Akin: ‘We are going to be here through the November election’|publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]''|date=August 24, 2012|author=Sean Sullivan|accessdate=August 25, 2012}}</ref> At the Missouri delegation breakfast at the Republican National Convention, many delegates voiced support for Akin's candidacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80203.html?hp=t3_3|title=Missouri delegates angry at Mitt Romney over Todd Akin|author=Manu Raju|date=August 27, 2012|accessdate=September 2, 2012|publisher=''[[Politico]]''}}</ref>
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McCaskill, for a time, did not comment directly on Akin's abortion remarks in her campaign, but instead focused upon Akin's remarks comparing student loans to Stage 3 [[cancer]].<ref name=wp910/>  [[RINO Backers]] demanded that Todd Akin remove his name from the ballot by September 25, 2012, while the principled Akin repeatedly made it clear that he was campaigning to win, and was projected to do better on [[Election Day]] than many of the RINOs would.<ref name=wp910/>
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By September 23, as the polls nationwide showed the Senate races tightening and Akin showed no sign of giving up the fight, Newt Gingrich urged the party to let him back into the fold and at least one campaign finance group started to reconsider the wisdom of leaving Akin to fight alone.<ref>http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/09/24/2703769/conservative-fund-considers-backing.html</ref> On Wednesday 26th, [[Rick Santorum]] of [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Jim DeMint]] of [[South Carolina]] endorsed Akin for Senate in a joint statement: "We cannot afford six more years of Senator McCaskill."<ref>https://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/09/santorum-demint-back-akin-136707.html</ref> On Friday 28 September, Akin confirmed that he had been arrested at an anti-abortion protest at a clinic some twenty-five years ago.<ref>https://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/09/akin-speaks-about-old-arrest-at-abortion-clinic-136954.html</ref> By then, former Missouri governor [[Kit Bond]] had endorsed Akin for Senate, and RNC chairman [[Reince Priebus]] had backed off on his earlier vows not to provide a penny to Akin.<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57522102/kit-bond-to-endorse-akin-priebus-hints-at-rnc-support/</ref>
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Even while ostracized by the party leadership, Akin drew over $600,000 in small donations.<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/us/politics/todd-akin-counts-on-support-of-home-schoolers.html?ref=politics</ref>
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The Republican Party was not united in this reconciliation, however. On September 30, Governor [[Chris Christie]] of [[New Jersey]] told ABC's ''This Week'' emphatically that he opposed the endorsement of Akin. A Rasmussen poll showed McCaskill leading Akin by 49 to 43 points among likely voters.<ref>http://www.humanevents.com/2012/10/01/christie-says-gop-should-not-support-missouris-akin/</ref>  Closer to election day, McCaskill ran radio and television spots featuring clips from [[RINO Backers]] criticizing Akin.<ref>http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nick-pistor/claire-mccaskill-features-mitt-romney-in-new-ad/article_5c4a5e19-82b8-5d3d-b9b3-6d740bcc3e57.html</ref>
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Federal Election Committee documents released after the election showed that the National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC) quietly attempted to salvage Akin's campaign as election day approached, making two donations totaling $760,000 to the Missouri Republicans at the beginning of November, 2012. The Missouri Party spent nearly that much money on large ad buys in the name of "W. Todd Akin" at the same time. Akin's adviser Rick Tyler has commented that by then the damage was done by NRSC's and Karl Rove's earlier actions. "They came in because they finally accepted what I had been saying publicly for weeks and that is that it was not possible to win a majority in the Senate without winning Missouri. But by the time they spent the money we were already going to lose Senate seats not gain them.  It was too late." <ref name="hill.com_20121207">Alexandra Jaffe, _The Hill_, December 7, 2012, [https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/271617-nrsc-funneled-760k-to-missouri-gop-in-final-days-of-election NRSC funneled $760K to Missouri GOP in final days of election]</ref>
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Ultimately, Todd Akin lost the election to Claire McCaskill 39.2% to 54.7%.<ref>https://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/Senate/2012/</ref>
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===Comments on rape and pregnancy===
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''See also'' [[Media bullying]].
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On August 19, 2012, in a local television interview with KTVI, Todd Akin rejected a suggestion that there should be a broad [[rape]] exception to limits on [[abortion]]. Akin distinguished between an actual rape and a false allegation of rape by referring to the former as a "legitimate rape," terminology that the [[liberal media]] then unfairly took out of context to engage in demagoguery against him.
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Akin's statement from the interview was:<ref>McMorris-Santoro, Evan. "Republican Senate Nominee: Victims Of ‘Legitimate Rape’ Don’t Get Pregnant." August 19, 2012. Talking Points Memo. http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/todd-akin-legitimate-rape.php</ref>
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{{cquote|First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn't work or something, I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.}}
 
Akin restated the same fact that has been published in the medical literature, which is that the incidence of pregnancy due to rape is rare. For example, the 6th Edition (2012) of the classic textbook by Lentz confirms:<ref>Lentz: Comprehensive Gynecology, 6th ed. (2012)</ref>
 
Akin restated the same fact that has been published in the medical literature, which is that the incidence of pregnancy due to rape is rare. For example, the 6th Edition (2012) of the classic textbook by Lentz confirms:<ref>Lentz: Comprehensive Gynecology, 6th ed. (2012)</ref>
 
{{cquote|In the experience of most sexual assault centers, the chance of pregnancy occurring is quite low.}}
 
{{cquote|In the experience of most sexual assault centers, the chance of pregnancy occurring is quite low.}}
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An objective medical commentator, citing a published statistic that pregnancy from rape occurs only 1 in 50 times, observed that Akin was not wrong in his medical observation, and that false allegations of rape obviously do occur.<ref>https://www.wnd.com/2012/08/akin-not-far-off-base-in-rape-comment/</ref>
  
Published peer-reviewed studies confirm that stress -- which rape would induce -- interferes with the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy:<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22687324</ref>
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Published peer-reviewed studies confirm that stress—which rape would induce—interferes with the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy:<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22687324</ref>
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{{cquote|stress-related biomarkers ... affect establishment of pregnancy.}}
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"Hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus" due to stress, as reported in 2003 in this peer-reviewed study:<ref>http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20030605/how-stress-causes-miscarriage</ref>
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{{cquote|In what may prove to be a breakthrough finding, a team of scientists from Tufts University and Greece have identified a suspected chain reaction detailing exactly how stress hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus and fetus.}}
  
{{cquote|[stress-related biomarkers ... affect establishment of pregnancy.}}
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The [[Mitt Romney|Romney]]-[[Paul Ryan|Ryan]] campaign, which had already caved to liberals on abortion and other important social issues, then ran away from Todd Akin's principled stance in a manner that reflected poorly on Romney and Ryan.<ref>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/mitt-romney-slams-lawmaker-todd-akins-rape-comments/story-fnd134gw-1226454546819</ref>  [[RINO]]s tried to pressure Akin into withdrawing from the race for [[U.S. Senate]], so that a more [[liberal]], Establishment-supported candidate could be nominated. Akin stood up against the pressure and rejected the liberal demands.
  
"Hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus" due to stress, as reported in 2003 in this peer-reviewed study:<ref>http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20030605/how-stress-causes-miscarriage</ref>
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Todd Akin has stood up against [[media bullying]] and namecalling by liberals such as [[Piers Morgan]] of ''[[CNN]]''.<ref>https://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/08/piers-morgan-calls-todd-akin-gutless-little-twerp-132635.html</ref>
  
{{cquote|In what may prove to be a breakthrough finding, a team of scientists from Tufts University and Greece have identified a suspected chain reaction detailing exactly how stress hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus and fetus.}}
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===Apology about the wording===
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In response to the demagoguery against him, Akin issued a general apology to anyone who misunderstood what he was saying.<ref>"Akin says he misspoke when making a comment about rape and abortion during the taping of The Jaco Report on FOX 2." [http://fox2now.com/2012/08/19/the-jaco-report-august-19-2012/]</ref> "I made a mistake. What I said was ill-conceived and it was wrong and for that I apologize." <ref>[http://www.akin.org/]</ref>
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President [[Barack Hussein Obama]] tried unsuccessfully to exploit the issue for personal gain with an unusual statement to the press on August 21: "So what I think these comments do underscore is why we shouldn't have a bunch of politicians, a majority of whom are men, making health-care decisions on behalf of women."<ref name=wsj/> Such consistent RINOs as Senators [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]] and [[John Cornyn]] of [[Texas]], [[Scott Brown]], former senator from Massachusetts, and the normally conservative [[Ron Johnson]] of [[Wisconsin]], appeared to be acting on talking points provided to them as they rudely and unsuccessfully urged Akin to withdraw from the race.<ref name=wsj>Naftali Bendavid and Louise Radnofsky, "Crucial Senate Race in Uproar," ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''|date=August 21, 2012|page=A1}}</ref><ref name=wp>Paul Kane and Nia-Malika, "Republicans look to force Akin out of Senate race," ''[[The Washington Post]],''August 21, 2012 p. A1.</ref>
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In September, Akin's wife, Lulli, brought more media attention to the "rape" comment by using a rape metaphor in an interview with the ''National Journal.''  She said, "Party bosses dictating who is allowed to advance through the party and make all of the decisions &mdash; it's just like 1776 in that way." She added that colonalists "rose up and said, 'Not in my home, you don't come and rape my daughters and my ... wife.' But that is where we are again."<ref>{{cite news|title=In Mo. race, that word again|page=A4|work=Washington Post|author=Diana Reese|date=September 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/09/18/todd-akin-wife-rape-tyranny-missouri-senate/70000588/1#.UFi2hRg5V4s|title=Akin's wife compares GOP moves to 'tyranny'|publisher=''[[USAToday]]''|author= Catalina Camia|date=September 18, 2012|accessdate=September 18, 2012}}</ref>
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==Political views==
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A [[United States Army]] [[veteran]], Congressman Akin was a leader on military issues among Republicans in Congress.
  
The [[Mitt Romney|Romney]]-[[Paul Ryan|Ryan]] campaign, which had already caved in to [[liberals]] on abortion and other important social issues, then ran away from Todd Akin's principled stance in a manner that reflected poorly on Romney and Ryan.<ref>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/mitt-romney-slams-lawmaker-todd-akins-rape-comments/story-fnd134gw-1226454546819</ref>  [[RINO]]s tried to pressure Romney into withdrawing from the race for [[U.S. Senate]], so that a more [[liberal]], Establishment-supported candidate could be nominated. Akin stood up against the pressure and rejected the liberal demands.
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Akin stressed the role of [[faith]] in [[politics]]. In late July 2011, he said, "... at the heart of [[liberalism]] really is a hatred for [[God]] and a belief that [[big government|government]] should replace God." [https://www.theblaze.com/stories/rep-todd-akin-refuses-to-apologize-for-saying-at-the-heart-of-liberalism-is-a-hatred-for-god/] [http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2011/06/28/congressmans-claim-liberals-hate-god/]
  
Todd Akin has stood up against [[media bullying]] and namecalling by [[liberals]] such as [[Piers Morgan]] of ''[[CNN]]''.<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/08/piers-morgan-calls-todd-akin-gutless-little-twerp-132635.html</ref>
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Akin supported [[Donald Trump]]'s 2016 campaign for president, commenting on him as a "populist Republican" and a "breath of fresh air."<ref>[https://morningconsult.com/2016/08/05/todd-akin-donald-trump/ Todd Akin Calls Trump a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’]</ref>
  
== References ==
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==Personal life==
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Akin was a minister who has championed the greater use of [[prayer]] and [[charity]].  His family [[homeschooled]] their children.
  
<references/>
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==References==
 +
{{reflist|2}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akin, Todd}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akin, Todd}}
[[category:politics]]
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[[Category:Republicans]]
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[[Category:Conservatives]]
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[[Category:Pro-Life]]
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[[Category:Missouri]]
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[[Category:New York City]]
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[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]
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[[Category:State Representatives]]
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[[Category:Clergy]]
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[[Category:Christians]]
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[[Category:United States Army]]

Latest revision as of 15:45, November 18, 2021

William Todd Akin


United States Representative for Missouri's 2nd congressional district
In office
January 3, 2001 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by Jim Talent
Succeeded by Jane Cunningham

Missouri State Representative
for the 86th district
In office
January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2001
Preceded by John Hancock

Missouri State Representative
for the 85th district
In office
January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1993
Preceded by Franc Flotron
Succeeded by Chris Liese

Born July 5, 1947
New York City
Died October 3, 2021 (aged 74)
Wildwood, St. Louis County,
Missouri
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Lulli Boe Akin (married 1975-2021, his death)
Children Six children
Alma mater Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(Bachelor of Science)
Covenant Theological Seminary
(Master of Divinity)
Religion Christian

Military Service
Service/branch United States Army

Missouri Army National Guard
United States Army Reserve

Years of service 1972–1980
Unit United States Army Corps of Engineers


William Todd Akin (July 5, 1947 – October 3, 2021) was a Republican U.S. Representative for Missouri's second congressional district. He was born in New York City. In 2012, he was the Republican nominee for one of the most-watched races for the U.S. Senate in 2012, which he lost against the incumbent Democrat senator Claire McCaskill when a Libertarian Party candidate siphoned off support. Akin was first elected to Congress in 2000. Prior to that he served twelve years in two different districts in the Missouri General Assembly. He was replaced in the second district House seat by fellow Republican Ann L. Wagner.

Todd Akin repeatedly won upset victories against more liberal opponents who outspent him and lost only after the liberal media made it a priority to defeat him and pro-aborts nationwide poured money into the campaign of his opponent.

Conservapedia was paying attention to Akin's Senate run before the liberal media and RINO Backers ganged up against him.[1] After Mitt Romney unnecessarily denounced Todd Akin, Romney himself lost credibility and pro-life support, and was then defeated by Barack Hussein Obama by a larger-than-expected margin in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. The hatchet job against Akin may have been done by political consultants who later became Never-Trumpers, and were themselves discredited.

Background

Akin is the son of Nancy Perry (née Bigelow) and Paul B. Akin. Both Akin's father and grandfather served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Laclede Steel Company. He graduated from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1971.[2]

Following his college graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army with the Army Combat Engineers, then served in the Army Reserve until 1980.[2][3] After leaving active duty, Akin worked as a salesman for IBM marketing large computer systems, and later went to work in management in the family steel business.[2]

In 1984, Akin earned a divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, but entered politics rather than the ministry.[4] He was elected to the Missouri legislature in 1988.[4]

2012 Senate campaign

Akin won the August 7, 2012, Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat in a three-way field.[5] Akin was endorsed by fellow Representatives Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Steve King of Iowa,[6] the Club for Growth and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed John Brunner in the primary, while Sarah Palin supported former state official Sarah Steelman.[7] In an April primary debate, Akin said that federally guaranteed student loans were a "Stage 3 cancer of socialism."[8]

Akin ran against the Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in the general election. Two weeks after his primary victory, Akin defended his principled pro-life position by indicating his opposition to abortion for pregnancy supposedly due to rape. A media firestorm ensued (see below), perhaps initiated by RINOs, but true conservatives defended Akin's principled remarks. For example, Connie Mackey of the Family Research Council called the discussion of Akin's remarks "another case of 'gotcha politics' against a conservative leader." On August 22, Akin met with leaders of the Council for National Policy in Tampa, Florida, who indicated their unwavering support for his campaign.[9]

On August 24, 2012, Akin held a press conference to announce, "We are going to be here through the November election and we are going to be here to win,” he said. Akin added, “there may be some negotiations but they don’t include me.”[10] At the Missouri delegation breakfast at the Republican National Convention, many delegates voiced support for Akin's candidacy.[11]

McCaskill, for a time, did not comment directly on Akin's abortion remarks in her campaign, but instead focused upon Akin's remarks comparing student loans to Stage 3 cancer.[8] RINO Backers demanded that Todd Akin remove his name from the ballot by September 25, 2012, while the principled Akin repeatedly made it clear that he was campaigning to win, and was projected to do better on Election Day than many of the RINOs would.[8]

By September 23, as the polls nationwide showed the Senate races tightening and Akin showed no sign of giving up the fight, Newt Gingrich urged the party to let him back into the fold and at least one campaign finance group started to reconsider the wisdom of leaving Akin to fight alone.[12] On Wednesday 26th, Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Jim DeMint of South Carolina endorsed Akin for Senate in a joint statement: "We cannot afford six more years of Senator McCaskill."[13] On Friday 28 September, Akin confirmed that he had been arrested at an anti-abortion protest at a clinic some twenty-five years ago.[14] By then, former Missouri governor Kit Bond had endorsed Akin for Senate, and RNC chairman Reince Priebus had backed off on his earlier vows not to provide a penny to Akin.[15]

Even while ostracized by the party leadership, Akin drew over $600,000 in small donations.[16]

The Republican Party was not united in this reconciliation, however. On September 30, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey told ABC's This Week emphatically that he opposed the endorsement of Akin. A Rasmussen poll showed McCaskill leading Akin by 49 to 43 points among likely voters.[17] Closer to election day, McCaskill ran radio and television spots featuring clips from RINO Backers criticizing Akin.[18]

Federal Election Committee documents released after the election showed that the National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC) quietly attempted to salvage Akin's campaign as election day approached, making two donations totaling $760,000 to the Missouri Republicans at the beginning of November, 2012. The Missouri Party spent nearly that much money on large ad buys in the name of "W. Todd Akin" at the same time. Akin's adviser Rick Tyler has commented that by then the damage was done by NRSC's and Karl Rove's earlier actions. "They came in because they finally accepted what I had been saying publicly for weeks and that is that it was not possible to win a majority in the Senate without winning Missouri. But by the time they spent the money we were already going to lose Senate seats not gain them. It was too late." [19]

Ultimately, Todd Akin lost the election to Claire McCaskill 39.2% to 54.7%.[20]

Comments on rape and pregnancy

See also Media bullying. On August 19, 2012, in a local television interview with KTVI, Todd Akin rejected a suggestion that there should be a broad rape exception to limits on abortion. Akin distinguished between an actual rape and a false allegation of rape by referring to the former as a "legitimate rape," terminology that the liberal media then unfairly took out of context to engage in demagoguery against him.

Akin's statement from the interview was:[21]

First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn't work or something, I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.

Akin restated the same fact that has been published in the medical literature, which is that the incidence of pregnancy due to rape is rare. For example, the 6th Edition (2012) of the classic textbook by Lentz confirms:[22]

In the experience of most sexual assault centers, the chance of pregnancy occurring is quite low.

An objective medical commentator, citing a published statistic that pregnancy from rape occurs only 1 in 50 times, observed that Akin was not wrong in his medical observation, and that false allegations of rape obviously do occur.[23]

Published peer-reviewed studies confirm that stress—which rape would induce—interferes with the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy:[24]

stress-related biomarkers ... affect establishment of pregnancy.

"Hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus" due to stress, as reported in 2003 in this peer-reviewed study:[25]

In what may prove to be a breakthrough finding, a team of scientists from Tufts University and Greece have identified a suspected chain reaction detailing exactly how stress hormones and other chemicals wreak havoc on the uterus and fetus.

The Romney-Ryan campaign, which had already caved to liberals on abortion and other important social issues, then ran away from Todd Akin's principled stance in a manner that reflected poorly on Romney and Ryan.[26] RINOs tried to pressure Akin into withdrawing from the race for U.S. Senate, so that a more liberal, Establishment-supported candidate could be nominated. Akin stood up against the pressure and rejected the liberal demands.

Todd Akin has stood up against media bullying and namecalling by liberals such as Piers Morgan of CNN.[27]

Apology about the wording

In response to the demagoguery against him, Akin issued a general apology to anyone who misunderstood what he was saying.[28] "I made a mistake. What I said was ill-conceived and it was wrong and for that I apologize." [29]

President Barack Hussein Obama tried unsuccessfully to exploit the issue for personal gain with an unusual statement to the press on August 21: "So what I think these comments do underscore is why we shouldn't have a bunch of politicians, a majority of whom are men, making health-care decisions on behalf of women."[30] Such consistent RINOs as Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Cornyn of Texas, Scott Brown, former senator from Massachusetts, and the normally conservative Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, appeared to be acting on talking points provided to them as they rudely and unsuccessfully urged Akin to withdraw from the race.[30][31]

In September, Akin's wife, Lulli, brought more media attention to the "rape" comment by using a rape metaphor in an interview with the National Journal. She said, "Party bosses dictating who is allowed to advance through the party and make all of the decisions — it's just like 1776 in that way." She added that colonalists "rose up and said, 'Not in my home, you don't come and rape my daughters and my ... wife.' But that is where we are again."[32][33]

Political views

A United States Army veteran, Congressman Akin was a leader on military issues among Republicans in Congress.

Akin stressed the role of faith in politics. In late July 2011, he said, "... at the heart of liberalism really is a hatred for God and a belief that government should replace God." [3] [4]

Akin supported Donald Trump's 2016 campaign for president, commenting on him as a "populist Republican" and a "breath of fresh air."[34]

Personal life

Akin was a minister who has championed the greater use of prayer and charity. His family homeschooled their children.

References

  1. < Republican Contenders for the Nomination. Conservapedia. Retrieved on October 6, 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Official Manual of the State of Missouri, 1993-1994, p. 157
  3. Biography, Congressman Todd Akin, Missouri's 2nd District, retrieved August 23, 2012.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Stephanie McCrummen and David A Fahrenthold. "Small legacy, loyal allies", Washington Post, August 23, 2012, p. A1. 
  5. "Todd Akin's Sinking Ship", the Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2012, p. A12. 
  6. https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/24282/akin_tea_party_endorsement_041212
  7. Paul Kane and Ed O'Keefe, The Washington Post, August 22, 2012, p. A4.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Rosalind S. Helderman and Jason Horowitz (September 10, 2012). With Senate at stake, GOP awaits Akin's next move. The Washington Post.
  9. Kate Nocera (August 22, 2012). Todd Akin in Tampa with top social conservatives. Politico. Retrieved on August 23, 2012.
  10. Sean Sullivan (August 24, 2012). Todd Akin: ‘We are going to be here through the November election’. The Washington Post. Retrieved on August 25, 2012.
  11. Manu Raju (August 27, 2012). Missouri delegates angry at Mitt Romney over Todd Akin. Politico. Retrieved on September 2, 2012.
  12. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/09/24/2703769/conservative-fund-considers-backing.html
  13. https://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/09/santorum-demint-back-akin-136707.html
  14. https://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/09/akin-speaks-about-old-arrest-at-abortion-clinic-136954.html
  15. https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57522102/kit-bond-to-endorse-akin-priebus-hints-at-rnc-support/
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/us/politics/todd-akin-counts-on-support-of-home-schoolers.html?ref=politics
  17. http://www.humanevents.com/2012/10/01/christie-says-gop-should-not-support-missouris-akin/
  18. http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nick-pistor/claire-mccaskill-features-mitt-romney-in-new-ad/article_5c4a5e19-82b8-5d3d-b9b3-6d740bcc3e57.html
  19. Alexandra Jaffe, _The Hill_, December 7, 2012, NRSC funneled $760K to Missouri GOP in final days of election
  20. https://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/Senate/2012/
  21. McMorris-Santoro, Evan. "Republican Senate Nominee: Victims Of ‘Legitimate Rape’ Don’t Get Pregnant." August 19, 2012. Talking Points Memo. http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/todd-akin-legitimate-rape.php
  22. Lentz: Comprehensive Gynecology, 6th ed. (2012)
  23. https://www.wnd.com/2012/08/akin-not-far-off-base-in-rape-comment/
  24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22687324
  25. http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20030605/how-stress-causes-miscarriage
  26. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/mitt-romney-slams-lawmaker-todd-akins-rape-comments/story-fnd134gw-1226454546819
  27. https://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/08/piers-morgan-calls-todd-akin-gutless-little-twerp-132635.html
  28. "Akin says he misspoke when making a comment about rape and abortion during the taping of The Jaco Report on FOX 2." [1]
  29. [2]
  30. 30.0 30.1 Naftali Bendavid and Louise Radnofsky, "Crucial Senate Race in Uproar," The Wall Street Journal|date=August 21, 2012|page=A1}}
  31. Paul Kane and Nia-Malika, "Republicans look to force Akin out of Senate race," The Washington Post,August 21, 2012 p. A1.
  32. Diana Reese. "In Mo. race, that word again", Washington Post, September 18, 2012, p. A4. 
  33. Catalina Camia (September 18, 2012). Akin's wife compares GOP moves to 'tyranny'. USAToday. Retrieved on September 18, 2012.
  34. Todd Akin Calls Trump a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’