Akin Fires Back at RNC Chairman Over Allegation of Ties to McCaskill

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Missouri Congressman Todd Akin is firing back at the chairman of the Republican National Committee, who said Akin "could be tied" to Sen. McCaskill.

In a statement issued just before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Perry Akin, Rep. Akin's campaign manager, wrote, "Reince Priebus' comments are extremely disappointing."

Priebus released a video stating Akin could be tied with the Democrat incumbent Claire McCaskill, adding, "We're not going to send him a penny."

"He claims the mantle of freedom, liberty and the good of America, but this betrays his apparent personal vendetta against Todd Akin," Akin's campaign manager fired back. "He is putting party power and political games ahead of the good of the country."

Akin is not at the Republican National Convention this week after being told by members of his party to stay home. Instead, he's making the rounds on the radio. He says he's staying in the U.S. Senate race, despite calls for him to quit.

A poll conducted for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch shows Akin now trailing Sen. McCaskill by nine points.

Akin's campaign has lost financial support from the National Republican Committee and the Crossroads super PAC. He's raising money through donations on his website, but is expected to be outspent.