Sen. Jim DeMint to Support Akin Senate Bid

In a joint statement released on Wednesday morning, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, announced their support for controversial Missouri senatorial candidate Rep. Todd Akin.

Akin drew national attention in August when he suggested that women who were victims of "legitimate rape" had the ability to "shut that whole thing down" and prevent themselves from getting pregnant.

Akin is in a battle with incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill and recent polls show him between five and seven points behind. He had been leading until his comments created an outcry that caused several Republicans, including presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, to call for his resignation.

DeMint's Senate Conservative Fund PAC sent out an email yesterday to supporters asking for their input. Since being formed, the PAC has been successful in raising significant amounts of money to help lesser-known candidates and (more conservative, in DeMint's opinion) challenge incumbents.

DeMint and Santorum's full statement is viewable HERE.