The calls for Missouri GOP Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin to withdraw from the race are growing louder.
Akin came under fire for his controversial comments about rape, when he said in a television interview Sunday that a woman's body is capable of preventing pregnancy in cases of "legitimate rape." He plans to pursue his bid for office despite calls to withdraw.
Top congressional Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas advised Akin to spend time considering what is best for his family, party and country - political code for urging him to withdraw.
This morning on "Early Start," CNN contributor Margaret Hoover explains the national political implications of Rep. Todd Akin's 'legitimate rape' comments.
"As long as we're talking about women, and the fact that President Obama is leading Mitt Romney by 15 percentage points when it comes to women...if that margin continues to grow, they're not talking about jobs, they're not talking about the economy, they're not talking about the impending debt crisis, they're not talking about things that all voters are saying is #1 on their mind," Hoover says. "Missouri hangs in the balance. Really all their combinations, if they want to win the senate back, need Claire McKaskill to lose."
"If the gap continues to widen with women, president obama stands a chance at being reelected," she adds.
READ MORE: Clock ticking for Akin as GOP urges him to withdraw after rape comment