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| 7/29/2010 2:13:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | ELECTION SELECTIONS
EDITORIAL
In the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary, the best choice for Republicans is former state Rep. Vicky Hartzler in the 4th Congressional District race.
Out of the nine candidates, Hartzler has distinguished herself not merely as the only woman in the race, but as a candidate with gumption who has waged a tireless campaign designed to show she is the person best able to take on the incumbent, Ike Skelton, in November.
Endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, Hartzler at least weekly issues a position paper or comment on what she thinks regarding the actions Democrats and Skelton have taken. She has, for example, opposed the Obama administration's effort to block the Arizona immigration law, stating, "If elected, one of my first priorities will be to complete the border fence immediately. We must secure the U.S. border with Mexico, period, now. America's sovereignty and the safety of law-abiding citizens demand this."
Among the eight men Hartzler faces, state Sen. Bill Stouffer stands out for his legislative experience and his fundraising.
Add to Hartzler's legislative experience and fundraising that she has a real presence in Johnson County. She has not only visited here several times and made plain her stand on issues, she has opened and staffed a campaign office at City Center in Warrensburg.
Johnson County Republicans who want a hard-charging conservative in Congress would do well to vote for Hartzler on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Skelton for House
In the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary, the best choice for Democrats in the 4th Congressional District race is the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton.
This endorsement may upset liberals within the party, as Skelton is not one of them.
Skelton, for example, sees value in maintaining a strong national defense and fighting if needed.
Skelton is steadfast in his support of veterans, and upon learning about the scandal at Arlington Cemetery, said, "Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred shrine and it breaks my heart to learn about mismarked gravesites, mishandling of remains, missing documentation and failures to notify next-of-kin. This conduct is disgraceful and cannot be tolerated."
Skelton drew on his years in Congress to admonish the EPA over unilateral Clean Air Act actions: "... Because this authorization never occurred, it is impossible for EPA to predict the 'intent of Congress' regarding the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, within the final rule released by EPA on May 13, 2010, there are multiple references to Congressional intent. I find these references to be extremely troubling."
Skelton voted to try to stop a plan to allow gays to serve in the military openly: "My position on this issue has been clear - I support the current policy and thus opposed the so-called Murphy Amendment to repeal 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.' I am disappointed that my colleagues jumped the gun and acted before the Pentagon could complete its review."
Skelton said no to the federal health care bill.
Skelton favors a strong military. His pivotal support led to building the stealth bomber fleet, now a key part of national defense, and the premier component of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base. But not content to rest on that great accomplishment, Skelton's actions in the past year helped increase the size of Whiteman, helped bring a drone command to Whiteman and helped bring a Seabees headquarters to Whiteman. Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood - a base Skelton kept from closing - are economic powerhouses for the entire region.
Skelton has served not just Johnson County, but the nation, commendably. Democrats should make him their candidate Tuesday, Aug. 3.
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