Akin Makes Announcement Tuesday In Creve Coeur

Representative Todd Akin (R-Town and Country) is scheduled to make an announcement about his political future at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Creve Coeur .

Rep. Akin's Press Secretary Steve Taylor will not comment directly on speculation that Akin will announce a run in the 2012 race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Claire McCaskill. Taylor tells Town and Country - Manchester Patch that Akin will announce his intentions for his future at this announcement Tuesday.

"Congressman Akin has thought long and hard regarding a potential senate run. He has been encouraged by many conservatives that he would make a good, strong conservative candidate," Taylor said. 

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Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman is the only declared candidate for the GOP nomination. An Akin decision to formally enter the Senate race, while not unexpected after weeks of speculation, would have a domino effect in Missouri politics, as it would accelerate the race to succeed Akin in Congress. The 2nd district, redrawn by state lawmakers within the last month to account for a loss of one congressional seat because of a population decline in Missouri, is set to include Creve Coeur.

Ed Martin, former Governor Matt Blunt's Chief of Staff who narrowly lost in a 2010 bid against Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis) for the 3rd district seat, has entered the GOP race for the House seat after initially announcing a Senate candidacy. Former Republican National Committee Chair Ann Wagner is exploring the race.

According to Politico, Carnahan is bringing House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer to Clayton next week for a fundraiser. He hasn't announced if he will run in the 2nd district or challenge 1st District Rep. William "Lacy" Clay.