It Looks Like Akin Just Might Stay The Course (At Least For Now) - w/ update

From TPM:

GOP Rep. Todd Akin still has the edge over Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in Missouri, according to a new snap poll on Monday from Democratic-aligned Public Policy Polling — despite a national controversy over Akin's remarks about "legitimate rape" and false claims that rape victims cannot get pregnant, which have led virtually the whole Republican Party to call for him to drop out.

Akin led McCaskill 44 percent support to 43 percent. In the previous PPP survey, conducted in late May in the middle of the Republican primary campaign, Akin led by a similar margin, 45 percent to 44 percent. Akin won the primary two weeks ago. PPP's Tom Jensen writes: "75% of Missouri voters think Akin's comments were inappropriate, but they're still voting along party lines."

If Akin was on the fence as to whether or not to drop out of the race, then this poll should convince him to stay in, at least in the short term. But I have a feeling this Akin character will stay in it to the bitter end. He's probably dreamed of being a U.S. Senator for quite awhile, and I'd be surprised if he just gave up when he's this close.

It should be noted that Claire McCaskill has - for quite some time - been a longshot to retain her Senate seat. Akin was simply the best candidate for McClaskill to run against, at least from the Democrats' point of view, because Akin was the craziest of all the possible contenders. It is still going to be very tough for McClaskill to win even if Akin stays in the race. 

UPDATE:  Chuck Todd at First Read is absolutely right as to why Akin won't exit the race any time soon (h/t JB):

Put yourself in Akin’s shoes. No one in Washington wanted him as the GOP nominee in the first place (even if they didn’t try to get the person they wanted), and so he owes them nothing because -- in his mind -- these folks asking him to get out didn’t help him get there. And isn’t it perfectly rational in HIS mind that he take longer than 24 hours to decide whether to stay or go? It may not be comfortable for the powers that be, but given how hard U.S. Senate nominations are to come by, it seems nuts to think he’ll simply walk away from this in 48 hours, especially since he doesn’t believe he did anything wrong other than use the wrong word.

And by the way: It's "official" -- Akin is staying in the race.

God bless him.