Akin just can't shake those two little words

As much as I would like to change the topic, I find myself drawn to political discussions for a variety of reasons.

But, as you can expect, that's the nature of the newspaper business. Or so it would seem this time of year.

I suspect I need no disclaimer in the political arena because I am proudly conservative. Not a new convert to the conservative movement by any means.

But you still need to know.

So here's my dilemma. I have tried to warm up to Todd Akin in his bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill.

I have said repeatedly that though I am fond of McCaskill on a personal level, her support for many of the Obama programs rubs me the wrong way.

And given an appropriate opponent, I would bid a fond farewell to Sen. McCaskill.

But Akin is not that candidate.

As a personal protest - with little significance - I have considered not voting for either Akin or McCaskill. I also considered voting for Akin by holding my nose.

But what would that prove?

I think the best option is to accept another term for McCaskill and continue to stress the values of our region that we hold dear.

Sen. McCaskill touts her "middle of the road" voting record to distance herself from the Obama administration. And in Missouri this year, that's a smart strategy - as a famous politician once said.

Given what we now know, we certainly would have hoped for a different outcome from the Republican primary that featured John Brunner and Sara Steelman.

But Akin won and despite pleas from his party, he declined to drop out of the race.

That brings us to the present and it is what it is.

I suspect regardless of the Presidential outcome - remember to pray - that McCaskill will find the middle road much more appealing in the months and years ahead.

Todd Akin will remain a small footnote in the history of Missouri politics - undone by the phrase "legitimate rape."

Those two words and the history behind the man who spoke them assured McCaskill's re-election.

That's my opinion for what it's worth.