Despite being verbally flogged by just about every Republican of import from Mitt Romney on down, Missouri Congressman Todd Akin is giving his fellow GOP lawmakers the political version of the Heisman, refusing to get out of a race for Senate in the uproar of his remarks on rape and abortion.
"Todd Akin Is Still Standing," bellowed the headline on his campaign website.
"The people from Missouri who elected me know I’m not perfect," Akin said in a fundraising pitch to supporters.
"We all make mistakes," Akin added. "I made a mistake and I’m sorry."
But while Akin was forging ahead with his bid for the U.S. Senate, almost every Republican of any national stature was demanding that Akin get out of the race.
"I’m certain that he is sincerely sorry for what he said but in this instance," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, but McConnell said "sorry is not sufficient."
"To continue serving his country in the honorable way he has served throughout his career, it is time for Congressman Akin to step aside," the top Senate Republican added.
Once again on Tuesday, the GOP criticism was led by their standard bearer for November, Mitt Romney.
"As I said yesterday, Todd Akin's comments were offensive and wrong and he should very seriously consider what course would be in the best interest of our country," Romney said in a written statement.
Meanwhile, Democrats were rolling over with glee, as they lit up the internet with all kinds of material to take jabs at Akin.
Among the finds, "The Official Todd Akin Guide to Women's Interior Anatomy" and all kinds of double entendre humor.
If Romney had hoped to dominate the headlines this week to gather some momentum going into the Republican convention, Todd Akin seems to be snuffing that out all by himself.
As for Akin's race in Missouri, Republicans don't think he will have much of a chance to defeat Democrat Clare McCaskill, who is considered the most vulnerable Democrat in Congress.
Republicans need to win four seats to take over the Senate - three if Mitt Romney were to win in November.
About a year ago, Republicans thought they would easily get to the majority, but now, it is more of a struggle.
The GOP has a chance to win seats in Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin; the GOP is a longer shot in Florida and Ohio.
Democrats meanwhile have the chance to win GOP seats in Maine and Massachusetts, and aren't that far behind in Indiana.
If things go the right way for the GOP, they could easily take charge of the Senate. But it isn't hard to put together a series of results that don't roll the way of Republicans.
And what if, on election night, it all comes down to Missouri in the race for the Senate.
Todd Akin is still standing.
Much to the disappointment of national Republicans.
