Todd Akin to Speak with North County Republicans Thursday

Former Missouri Congressman Todd Akin will be in North County this week speaking at the North St. Louis Republican Club's monthly meeting.

He represented Missouri's 2nd Congressional District for more than a decade and was the party's candidate in a run for U.S. Senate against Claire McCaskill last year.

The meeting will take place at Yacovelli’s, located at 407 Dunn Rd., in Florissant Thursday at 7:30 PM.       

Join the Club

If you would like to join the North St Louis County Republican Club, dues are $15 per individual or $25 per family. Reach out to the club's treasurer, Edna Ditto at (314) 837-8968. 

Future speakers and topics include:

• June 27: Anne Gassel on Common Core Standards
• July 25: Sherman Graves on gun control
• August 22: Tom Schweich state auditor

Akin Controversy

Akin came under fire last year while campaigning during a senate run when he made a claim about "legitimate rape." The former lawmaker said in a TV interview last summer he believed pregnancy can be prevented by a woman involved in a "legitimate rape" because "the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

He told KSDK in April that if he could he would take back the rape comment.

June Schmidt, North St. Louis Republican Club's secretary, said the group has always been an Akin fan.

"Todd was supported by our group," she said. "He had a very rough election and was very tired." 

Political Career

Akin served as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

During his career Akin advocated for homeschooling rights. 

In 1995, he fought former Democratic Governor Mel Carnahan over a bill providing state-funding for school nurses. Ultimately, the governor refused to sign the funding bill due to Akin's amendment, which would have prohibited nurses from telling students about sources for information about abortion.

In 2003, he voted to increase student loan forgiveness for teachers. The increase was from $5,000 to $17,500 for elementary and secondary math, science, reading, and special education teachers in low-income schools.

Akin also voted for carrying concealed weapons, specifically state reciprocity in 2011. And sponsored legislation to prohibit casino companies from contributing to Missouri state lawmakers.

To read more on Todd Akin, visit his topic page on Patch:

• Todd Akin Campaign Rallies a Final Time in St. Louis Ahead of Tuesday's Election
• Claire McCaskill And Todd Akin Still Raising Money Weeks After Election Day
• Todd Akin's 'Legitimate Rape' Apology Ad Named Worst Political Ad By Washington Post
• Election Results: Todd Akin Concedes to Claire McCaskill in Missouri Senate Race
• Patch Survey: McCaskill Had Best Ad Strategy; Akin Will See Romney Boost