Rep. Todd Akin and staff receive death and rape threats

Todd Akin (R-Mo), a staunchly pro-life Congressman, made a stupid remark in an interview last Sunday, Aug. 19, that “legitimate” (i.e., real) rape rarely leads to pregnancy.

For that, the 65-year-old 6-term Congressman has stirred outrage from feminists on the Left, and from his own party’s leaders and colleagues who have urged him to quit as the GOP’s Senate candidate in Missouri. For his part, Akin has since apologized, saying he “misspoke.”

For that remark, Akin has received death threats and rape threats against his staff and family!

Rep. Todd Akin

NewsMax.com reports, Aug. 24, 2012, that Akin said there have been threats against him since his remarks. “There have been threats, both on life and on rape,” Akin said, adding that House rules barred him from disclosing more.

Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating “at least one threat they deem significant,” Steve Taylor, a member of Akin’s congressional staff in Missouri, said in a telephone interview. Calls to the congressman’s office urged the “rape of Congressman Akin’s official staff, the congressman and members of his family, and there’s also been some suggestions that some people die,” Taylor said.

Capitol Police and Lauren Ellis, Akin’s chief of staff, also confirmed the investigation.

Capitol Police are working with the FBI “on a reported threat against Congressman Akin,” Lieutenant Kimberly Schneider said in an e-mailed statement. “This is an active, open investigation. Of course, we don’t discuss the security of members of Congress — this includes our security operations and procedures.” The FBI didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Akin has reiterated his vow to continue his campaign to unseat Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill despite pressure to abandon his bid from Republican leaders, including presidential nominee Mitt Romney. The Missouri Senate race may be pivotal for control of the Senate.

Akin beat St. Louis businessman John Brunner and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman in an Aug. 7 primary.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has said it would no longer help Akin. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which had previously funded ads against McCaskill, won’t continue to be involved in the race, a spokeswoman told the Associated Press.

Akin’s campaign tried to use opposition within the party to his advantage, saying in one fundraising appeal: “Party bosses have been clear: They want nothing to do with our effort to unseat liberal Claire McCaskill.” Akin’s campaign claimed to have raised more than $100,000 in contributions in an appeal to donors this week.

~Eowyn