Rep. Todd Akin Will Campaign in the Ozarks This Weekend

CAMDENTON, Mo. -- Congressman Todd Akin will swing through the Ozarks this weekend, his first visit since making controversial statements about rape.

The Missouri Republican Assembly confirms to KOLR10 News that Rep. Akin will take part in a rally at the Camden County Court House (313 Court Circle) at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 8.

Dr. James Noland with Noland & Associates in Camdenton is hosting Rep. Akin, and says he'll have a breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Assemblies of God Church in Osage Beach along 54 Highway.

"I'm a retired senator, and I've been so concerned with the National Republican Assembly thinking they can name our conservative candidates down here," said Dr. Noland, a farmer who served in the U.S. Air Force. He also served in the Missouri House and Senate.

Dr. Noland says Rep. Akin will likely visit local businesses ahead of his noon speech at the court house lawn.

"I have arranged with the local superintendent to rent a nearby theater to host the event," he says, in the event of rain. Dr. Noland notes that Akin will be traveling to a campaign stop in Rolla later that day.

Akin's campaign can only confirm the congressman's stop in Camdenton at this time.

The latest Public Policy Poll shows Akin trailing his Democrat opponent, Sen. Claire McCaskill, by 1 percent. Akin said that polls are really not accurate to that level and that the only poll that counts is the one in November.