U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's comments on Sunday toFOX2's Charles Jaco suggesting that victims of "legitimate rape" have a built-in defense against pregancy have dominated the national political conversation since Sunday night.

Patch readers have chimed in with a robust discussion over Akin's remarks on the first item we posted about the controversy — and discussion that's still running, so it's not too late to join in.

Here's a round-up of coverage from Patcheditors — and Patch readers who have chimed in with blog posts in our Local Voices section. 

TUESDAY, Aug. 21

Mitt Romney To Todd Akin: Get Out Of the U.S. Senate Race

The GOP's nominee vowed to stay in the race, despite pressure up and down the Republican ticket, and including from former Missouri U.S. Senators John Danforth, John Ashcroft, Kit Bond and Jim Talent, as well as current Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt.

Politicians From Wisconsin To New Hampshire Talking About Akin's 'Legitimate Rape' Comment

With a Tuesday deadline for U.S. Rep. Todd Akin to step aside from the U.S. Senate race without getting courts involved, political leaders in Patch communities around the country are speaking out.

Todd Akin Releases Apology, Asks Forgiveness

The candidate for Missouri Senate issues ad Monday.

LOCAL VOICES: Blog posts by our readers

Arthur Christopher Schaper: Todd Akin, Media Meandering, and the Missing Debate about Abortion and McCaskill

Arthur Christopher Schaper is a resident of Torrance, CA weighing in on Todd Akin's remarks about abortion as distraction from real debate and Claire McCaskill's poor service.

Jeff Butler: Election 2012: Our Vacuous National Debate

A commentary on the lack of substance in the current political debates, and a call to address important issues facing America this election season.

MONDAY, Aug. 20

Should Akin Stay In The Senate Race? Poll Shows Division Among Missouri Republicans

While Republicans nationally question if Rep. Todd Akin's U.S. Senate campaign can survive, an unscientific poll of Missouri GOP insiders finds his controversial remarks about rape and pregnancy will hurt his standing with conservative voters.

McCaskill: Rape Comment 'Window Into Akin's Mind'

Claire McCaskill appeared on MSNBC Monday to discuss Todd Akin's comment on 'legitimate rape,' which she calls a 'gut-check' for Missourians.

Todd Akin Staying In The Senate Race Despite Rape Remark: 'I'm Not a Quitter'

The Wildwood Republican told Mike Huckabee's national radio program Monday afternoon he will not step down as the Missouri GOP's nominee despite firestorm over weekend comments about "legitimate rape."

Does 'Legitimate Rape' Really Inhibit Pregnancy?

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate rape" prompt questions about definitions of rape—such as forcible/assault rape versus date rape and statutory rape—as well as whether females can get pregnant in all incidences of rape.

Planned Parenthood: "Akin Made Medically, Factually Inaccurate Statement About Pregnancies and Rape"

The leading provider, educator and protector for reproductive health care in the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri for 80 years issues a definite response to Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate" rape.

Rep. Todd Akin On Hot Seat Over 'Legitimate Rape' Comment in FOX2 Interview

In the interview with Charles Jaco, the Senate candidate said "legitimate rape" would not cause pregnancy. Late Sunday night, the Romney-Ryan campaign weighed in.

Akin's "Legitimate Rape" Idea Spurs Online Reactions Nationwide

In just a few hours, Todd Akin's comment drew angry, confused, stunned and downright funny reactions from comedians, actors and people across the country.

LOCAL VOICES: Blog posts by our readers

Karl Frank Jr.: Excuse Me Paul Ryan and Todd Akin, Was Josef Fritzl a Legitimate Rapist or an Illegitimate Rapist?

Unless you have the mindset of a stone age tool-maker, rape doesn't need a qualifier or new definition. Rape is rape. Period.

Mark Cockson: 'Legitimate Rape' Todd Akin Comment Rekindles Trail of Tears Pain

Representative Todd Akin's Sunday comment takes this blogger back to 175 year old bit of forgotten Missouri history.