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McCaskill attacks Akin for comments on student loans

(Akin: UPI Bill Greenblatt/McCaskill: Flickr/SenatorMcCaskill)

Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill has been on the attack against her Republican opponent, criticizing Congressman Akin for controversial comments he’s made. But the comments she's attacking are not related to abortion.

So far, McCaskill has avoided attacking Congressman Akin for his comments on “legitimate rape,” which would force her to discuss her stance on the touchy issue of abortion.  Instead, she’s attacking him for his comments on student loans.

At an April debate, Akin said federally backed student loans represent a “Stage 3 cancer of socialism.”  It’s prompted McCaskill to run ads like these that feature young college students, an important demographic for McCaskill.

In an interview with BeyondNovember.org, Akin clarified his stance.

“I’m not against student loans. I’m not against home mortgages," Akin said. "I’m just saying I don’t think it’s a good idea for the federal government to do it entirely and not let the private sector in.”

If Akin is to drop out of the race, which Akin says he will not do, he has only until Sept.21, when many absentee ballots will be mailed out.

 

Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter@csmcdaniel

  • See more stories on issues and elections from St. Louis Public Radio, the St. Louis Beacon and Nine Network of Public Media at BeyondNovember.org.