Rep. Akin 's comments could dash GOP hopes , impact presidential race . GOP Senate and other GOP leaders raced to denounce Akin 's comments . Democratic use the comments to stoke the `` war on women '' rhetoric that factored prominently in the political debate A recent Gallup survey showed Obama with an 8 % lead over his Republican rival among women . If Akin stays in the race he could further damage the GOP , strategists say .
Rep. Akin 's comments could dash GOP hopes , impact presidential race . GOP Senate and other GOP leaders raced to denounce Akin 's comments . Democratic use the comments to stoke the `` war on women '' rhetoric that factored prominently in the political debate If Akin stays in the race he could further damage the GOP , strategists say .