NRSC hints it's having second thoughts about Akin [Updated]

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which vowed not to spend a dime on Todd Akin if he stayed in the race, is striking a more conciliatory tone with the controversial Missouri Senate candidate.

Rob Jesmer, executive director of the committee, said in a Wednesday statement that his campaign committee would "continue to monitor this race" and that Akin is the "far more preferable candidate" now that a Tuesday drop-out deadline has passed.

"There is no question that for Missourians who believe we need to stop the reckless Washington spending, rein-in the role of government in people's lives, and finally focus on growing jobs that Todd Akin is a far more preferable candidate than liberal Senator Claire McCaskill," Jesmer said. "As with every Republican Senate candidate, we hope Todd Akin wins in November and we will continue to monitor this race closely in the days ahead."

Whether this means the committee will flip-flop and ultimately spend money to help Akin remains to be seen.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, called NRSC's possible shift back to Akin "absolutely shameful."

“Their decision to support Akin should leave zero doubt in anyone’s mind that the Republican Party and the candidates they support are downright dangerous for women,” Murray said in a statement. “I expected more, but sadly, Todd Akin represents the official position of the Republican Party."