WASHINGTON, D.C. (KMOX) – Five looming figures in his own state party are now urging Rep. Todd Akin to bow out, in the wake of the firestorm caused by his comments on rape and abortion.

It’s not just party operatives pushing some agenda on Twitter, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt issuing a joint statement to Akin Tuesday, co-signed by former Missouri U.S. Senators John Ashcroft, Kit Bond, John Danforth, and Jim Talent.

It says: “We do not believe it serves the national interest for Congressman Todd Akin to stay in this race. The issues at stake are too big, and this election is simply too important. The right decision is to step aside.”