Sam Graves on the Akin Controversy

(Chip Somodevilla Getty Images News)

During a campaign stop Monday near Palmyra... Missouri congressman Sam Graves was asked about statements by US Senate Candidate Todd Akin that have lead to many calls for Akin to leave the race...

The Missouri U.S. Senate race is one of several key races across the country this November...

The deadline for Akin to withdraw is at 5 p-m today. (Aug 21)  Otherwise.. a court order would be necessary. Akin has repeatedly apologized for comments about rape made in an interview aired over the weekend by a St. Louis television station.