Sens. Graham and DeMint Influencing Races Nationwide

It's no secret that South Carolina has two of the most influential senators in the country. As election day nears, both Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint are using their influence in different ways.

Graham, the more moderate of the two, has been appearing in swing states, often with longtime friend Sen. John McCain to discuss how possible sequestration would effect voters in those states. On Tuesday, Graham was in New Mexico in support of Heather Wilson, a Republican locked in a tight race for senator against Democrat Martin Heinrich. New Mexico is leaning in Pres. Obama's direction and is on the verge of "going blue," so Wilson is a decided underdog and polls consistently show her to be at least seven points behind.

DeMint, meanwhile is faced with a decision via the Senate Conservatives Fund PAC that he uses to financially support like-minded senate candidates. DeMint has stated that his main priority politically is turn the senate in the Republican's favor. If that is to happen the GOP almost certainly needs to win the state of Missouri, where Rep. Todd Akin is taking on incumbent Claire McCaskill.

Missouri, of course, has become one of the most closely-watch races in the country. After leading in polls for weeks, Akin said in an interview that women's bodies have a mechanism to prevent themselves from getting pregnant after being raped. Akin said this in response to a question about whether abortion should be permitted in the case of rape or incest.

The comments became and national controversy and many, including Presidential nominee Mitt Romney, said Akin should leave the campaign. But the deadline for Akin to withdraw was on Tuesday, and he did not do so.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate Conservatives Fund sent an email to its members asking if it should donate money to support Akin. DeMint has earned the title of "Kingmaker" for his penchant for backing candidates who were underdogs that eventually pulled an upset. But none of those candidates ever made comments like Akin's. So the race now rperesents a test of a new kind for DeMint.

So, what should he do? Should DeMint's Senate Conservative Fund give to Akin?