Despite triggering a firestorm of controversy for suggesting that “legitimate” rape victims are unlikely to become pregnant, the first major poll conducted in the comments’ aftermath shows Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) holding a narrow lead over incumbent Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) in Missouri’s Senate race.
According to Public Policy Polling, Akin holds 44 percent while McCaskill comes in with 43 percent. In the polling agency’s last survey conducted in May, Akin led 45 to 44 percent.
Still, Missouri voters appear to widely condemn Akin’s remarks. 75 percent of voters said that they were inappropriate while only 9 percent said they were appropriate.
“Voters were appalled by his comments about abortion, but not so much that they decided to vote Democratic when they were previously planning to support the GOP,” Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling, said in a statement. “This looks like it will be a closely contested race if Akin stays in.”
The poll was conducted August 20th among 500 likely voters in Missouri. The full results can be read here.
