Akin rape remark haunts GOP in Virginia

Associated Press

Updated: Aug 27, 2012 7:54 AM

CHESTER, Va. (AP) — Missouri Republican Congressman Todd Akin's incendiary comments about "legitimate" rapes not resulting in pregnancies found an extraordinary tinder box in Virginia, where the GOP this year learned firsthand the fury of a woman scorned.

Just as the Romney-Ryan Republican ticket was landing bruising blows on President Barack Obama's stewardship of the economy and handling of America's debt crisis, Akin's televised comments pre-empted the GOP's cohesive message and angered Virginia women anew.

For the GOP ticket in a battleground state, that's never helpful.

This week found Virginia Republicans taking pains to denounce Akin, call for his exit from politics and repair relations with women. Senate candidate George Allen was mindful of it as he charmed a crowd at a small women's boutique in Chester, even hawking earrings on sale for $10.

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