Missouri Republican Vicky Hartzler, a former state representative who was active in her state's effort to ban same-sex marriage, appears to be preparing a 2010 campaign against veteran Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton.
Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler has filed a
statement of candidacy and a
statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission to initiate a campaign in the 4th District, a conservative-leaning area of western and central Missouri that takes in Jefferson City, some suburbs of Kansas City and also significant rural territory.
Hartzler, who couldn't be reached for comment Thursday, has a background in education and served in the state House from 1995 through 2000. She was a spokeswoman for an organization that promoted a 2004 state constitutional amendment, overwhelmingly passed by voters, that banned same-sex marriage.
In 2007 Hartzler published a book, Running God's Way, described on its home page as a "one-stop, easy to use resource unveils the proven campaign techniques revealed in God's Word and outlines the winning strategies needed to succeed on Election Day."
Skelton, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, has been politically dominant in his 17 terms. He won 66 percent of the vote in 2008, the 15th time in 16 re-election campaigns that he has topped 60 percent of the vote.
Skelton has thrived politically even though Missouri's 4th has a distinct Republican lean. John McCain won 61 percent of the district vote in the 2008 election.
But Republicans have signaled they will give the 77-year-old Skelton a more vigorous contest in 2010. They've criticized his support for the economic stimulus law (PL 111-5) and a "cap and trade" climate change bill.
It's more likely than not that one or more Republicans will join Hartzler in the GOP primary. Missouri political journalist Jason Rosenbaum on Thursday identified state Rep. Tom Self and state Sen. Bill Stouffer as potential Republican candidates.
CQ Politics presently rates the general election race as Safe Democratic, mainly because of Skelton's history of landslide elections. CQ Politics constantly re-evaluates its ratings depending on political circumstances.
To follow the 2010 House races, check out the CQ Politics election map
UPDATE: Hartzler responded by e-mail Friday, confirming that she has submitted FEC paperwork and is "in the beginning stages of putting together my campaign team."
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Comments
Unless there is a 1994-style backlash election (not likely) combined with an absolutely "SOLID" GOP candidate (a sitting state legislator with alot of money for example), Skelton will continue to win. However, since MO is likely going to lose a CD after reapportionment, this may be his last hurrah. The way the 4th district is situated makes it the logical choice to be cannibalized.
Posted by: NObama
| July 31, 2009 6:23 PM
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