The Democratic Super PAC American Bridge 21st Century is hitting Missouri Rep. Todd Akin (R) with a talking direct mail piece that highlights his “legitimate rape” comments.
The mailers, which employ a sound cell that will greet Missouri voters with Akin’s own voice once the card is opened, begin reaching mailboxes in the state today.
American Bridge is putting at least $37,000 behind the mailer. It was produced by the Democratic direct mail firm Ourso Beychok and mailPOW, which creates the sound cells that go into the talking cards.
The controversy over Akin’s comments from earlier this year has become a focal point in his race against Sen. Claire McCaskill (D). Akin was largely deserted by national Republicans and the NRSC threatened to withhold any financial support for his campaign.
Still, Akin has remained in the race and has since won the backing of some prominent conservatives, including former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). The latest polling in the race shows Akin still within striking distance of the incumbent.
As for the talking mail pieces, they have increased in popularity over the past cycle with the California-based company mailPOW marketing the tactic to the campaign world. Over the past two years, the talking mailers have been deployed in both local and federal contests.