Getting those party checks after all.

Getting those party checks after all.

The NRSC and Karl Rove's Crossroads have promised to quit the state of Akin stays in. But the GOP's hopes for a majority run through Missouri. There's not much of a path without knocking off McCaskill. In other words, the money will be there. As much outrage and disgust as they're dishing at the moment, they'll quietly open up the checkbook so long as the race remains deadlocked, and Akin promises them one seat closer to the majority. If I'm Akin, I call their bluff and stay in. It's the rational thing to do.

"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 in this country, that Todd Akin is a far more preferable candidate than liberal Sen. Claire McCaskill," NRSC executive director Rob 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."

Me, on August 21 People thought I was concern trolling when I wrote that Akin should stay in. But fact is, Missouri has a strong conservative and evangelical base and McCaskill is not popular in the state. Obviously, Akin is not the strongest GOP candidate—anyone else would be crushing McCaskill. But it was also obvious that if you're Akin, this is your last shot for glory and it isn't a hopeless one. So why pass it up because national Republicans were pretending to cut him off?

When crunch time comes, everyone who claimed they were taking their ball home will be there, including Karl Rove.