Sarah Palin tells Todd Akin to withdraw from the campaign

Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is the latest to suggest that Todd Akin withdraw from the Senate race.

"Bless his heart, I dont want to pile on Todd Akin, because in some respects, I understand what hes trying to say here, in standing on principle, that he doesnt want to be perceived as a quitter, but you got to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em," she was quoted as saying, using words sung by music star Kenny Rogers. "Missouri is a must-win state."

Akin has been under fire from many people, including fellow Republicans such as presidential candidate Mitt Romney, for saying that women rarely become pregnant from "legitimate rape." Democrats have used Akins words to suggest that Republicans are unsympathetic to women.

He is currently running for a Missouri Senate seat against Democrat Claire McCaskill. Akin has since apologized for his remarks.

Hes inviting himself back into this general election thats coming up, and hes going to get defeated. And thats unfortunate, Palin said. "That is why we have to think pragmatically about this, and we have to think, well, whats another option? Is a third-party another option? If it is, lets go. The status quo has got to go."

Akin has already missed Tuesdays deadline to withdraw from the race.

Palin suggested third party candidate Sarah Steelman to take Akins place.