St. LOUIS (KMOX) -  Rep. Todd Akin picked up the endorsement of  Phyllis Schlafly today.

In a statement released to the press Schlafly said: “”Todd Akin is a principled leader who has championed the issues of pro-life, traditional marriage, and sound economics all through his years of service in the Missouri State Legislature and in Congress.  His convictions are strong because he lives them out in his daily life.
Todd’s leadership, respect for our Constitution, and common sense are exactly what we need fighting for us in the United States Senate.”

Schlafy is a nationally known conservative activists and is president and founder of the Eagle Forum.

Akin is in a Republican primary race facing St. Louis businessman John Brunner and former Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Streelman.  The winner of the August 7th primary will face incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill.