Todd Akin's list of allies has grown yet again.

Akin this morning won the endorsement of the Senate Conservatives Fund (SCF), the PAC founded by influential conservative Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. DeMint himself endorsed Akin Wednesday in a joint announcement with former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

SCF has been considering the move for several days. It polled supporters via e-mail Wednesday, asking how much they'd be willing to donate in support of Akin's candidacy.

"Over 8,000 votes were cast and 93% of you said the Senate Conservatives Fund (SCF) should endorse Todd Akin (R-MO) given that he's the Republican candidate, the race is competitive, and the outcome could determine control of the Senate," Executive Director Matt Hoskins wrote in a follow-up email today.

SCF supporters pledged a total of $290,000 on Akin's behalf, Hoskins wrote. The group is also asking supporters to give directly to Akin's campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 for him before this Federal Election Commission fundraising period ends Sunday.

A cascade of Republicans and Republican groups have backed Akin since Tuesday evening, when his deadline to withdraw from the race expired at 5 p.m. CT. The list now includes the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which had called on Akin to withdraw from the race; the Missouri Republican Party, which had distanced itself from the candidate, according to Akin's campaign; and former GOP presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Akin has been outspent by his Democratic opponent, Sen. Claire McCaskill, but outside groups such as SCF could help him catch up. The group Freedom's Defense Fund has reportedly dedicated $250,000 to TV, radio and Internet ads in Missouri. If SCF supporters follow through on their pledges, Akin will see at least $500,000 pour into the state.

This post originally identified SCT as "Demint's" PAC. DeMint officially separated himself from the PAC in July.