The real reason Akin is in trouble

It is not unusual for a GOTP member to do his open-mouth-insert-foot act. Heck, some even take out ads or make public speeches on the matter (see Saxby Chambliss, Joe Walsh on their partially limbless opponents.)

Usually the leadership simply shrugs it off with a "People who endorse me or people who work for me, I respect their endorsement and their work, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I endorse all of their statements," or accuse the liberal media and move on. But this one is different. Why? Because it crystallizes the assault on women's health and reproductive rights that the GOTP has denied ever making.

So distance from Akin, but shun him like this to call for him to drop out?

Yes, this one is that different.