Akin's campaign picked up Gingrich’s spokesman from his 2012 presidential run. Gingrich aide joins Akin campaign

Longtime Newt Gingrich aide Rick Tyler is joining embattled Missouri Rep. Todd Akin’s Senate campaign, two sources familiar with the move confirmed to POLITICO.

The six-term congressman has so far relied on a few key allies as he has defiantly vowed to stay in the race: his son Perry who serves as his campaign manager, his wife, and he has the support of several prominent conservatives including former Gov. Mike Huckabee.


Tyler responded to a request for comment by sending POLITICO a picture of the St. Louis Arch. Tyler will serve in a senior adviser role for Akin, sources say.

( Also on POLITICO: Todd Akin buys $40K of ad time in St. Louis)

Akin also has the help of Rex Elsass, CEO and founder of the Strategy Group for Media. SGM has worked with Akin since the start of his congressional career. SGM advised Gingrich during the 2012 primaries.

Tyler served as Gingrich’s spokesman during the former House speaker’s 2012 presidential run. He abruptly quit and then later helped establish pro-Newt super PAC, “Winning Our Future.”

( PHOTOS: 5 controversial Todd Akin quotes)

Akin, the Republican nominee running against incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill, has faced calls from practically every prominent Republican in the country to step aside after his remarks that women rarely get pregnant from “legitimate rape.”

Correction: This story has been updated to clarify Akin’s original remarks.

CORRECTION: Corrected by: Andrea Drusch @ 08/30/2012 08:41 PM Correction: This story has been updated to clarify Akin’s original remarks.