(NBCNC) - The first deadline for Missouri Congressman Todd Akin to get out of the Senate race on his own came and went yesterday.
Congressman Akin can still get off the Senate ballot in Missouri between today and September 25th, but now it will require a court order and Akin's campaign must pick up the cost of re-printing ballots.
The Congressman from the show me state is digging in his heels telling conservative radio talk show host Sean Hannity. "My sense is that the Republican Party has bid this thing up to make it a lot bigger deal than it really needed to be. Yeah, I know everybody gets upset for a couple of days," said Rep. Todd Akin, (R) Missouri.
Embattled Missouri senate candidate Todd Akin says he's in it to win it against democratic incumbent senator Claire McCaskill whose campaign, thanks to Akin, has new life.
In a TV commercial, Akin apologized for his remarks stating a legitimate rape rarely results in pregnancy. Now a growing number of Republican Party leaders are calling on him to step aside. "Everyone's on the same page and I think you've seen complete unity in that he oughta get out of the race," said Reince Preibus, RNC Chairman.
With less than a week to go before the Republican Convention in Tampa - Mitt Romney joined calls for akin to get out of the race "And will make a decision which is in the best interest of the values he has for the future of the country and the country itself, said" Mitt Romney, (R) Presidential Candidate.
And with good reason, the latest NBC-WSJ poll shows negative feelings toward the Republican Party have reached 45%.
Despite the fallout over Akin's remarks, he's received support from conservative groups and even some constituents, "so if he decides to stay in the race my support remains with him." Tony Perkins/ Family Research Council.
"I think what he said was misguided. He admitted it was misguided and I'm alright with it. I think he should stay in," said Tyson Funk/ Missouri Voter.
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