Tagged: Claire McCaskill

Republican Congressman Todd Akin and Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill met on stage for their first debate on Friday morning in Columbia. Libertarian candidate Jonathan Dine joined the forum held by the Missouri Press Association.

The candidates for U.S. Senate wasted no time before trading jabs.

Akin criticized McCaskill for the growing national debt, as well as her vote for the Affordable Care Act, which is considerably unpopular in Missouri.

"It's pretty hard to say you're in favor of Medicare when you cut 700 billion from it," Akin said.

St. Louis Public Radio's Chris McDaniel joins Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum from the St. Louis Beacon to discuss a variety of issues. On today's podcast: an update on Akin's campaign initiative (and poetry reading) aimed at women.  Also, a preview of Monday's special election between Newman and Carlson. And finally, a look at the prominent national Republicans visiting Missouri.

Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter: @csmcdaniel

Follow Jo Mannies on Twitter: @jmannies

Congressman Todd Akin is trying to improve his image with female voters.  On Tuesday night, Akin held an event featuring numerous women voicing their support for him. It was his first appearance in St. Louis since his now infamous comments concerning "legitimate rape."

Since then, Akin's campaign for U.S. Senate has largely stuck to campaigning in the rural areas of Missouri, avoiding his congressional district in St. Louis County -- at least until now.

The event had well over a hundred women, mostly middle aged and predominantly conservative Christian.