KANSAS CITY, Mo. (MCT) — Missouri remained in the center of the political universe for the fourth straight day Wednesday as U.S. Rep. Todd Akin struggled to rejuvenate his Senate bid and Republicans speculated about possible deals that could provide him a graceful exit.

Akin, who triggered a national firestorm Sunday with his comments about rape victims, again appealed to donors to finance his campaign after several major conservative contributors, such as Crossroads GPS, said they were pulling out of the state.