Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District seat will have a new challenger come next year’s election.
Former state representative Vicky Hartlzer has announced that she will run against incumbent Ike Skelton, D-Mo., in the 2010 election cycle. She is the only Republican to put her name in for the seat so far.
Hartlzer, who was elected in 1994, served in the Missouri House of Representatives for six years before deciding not to seek re-election after adopting a child in 2000.
Today, Hartlzer will be in Lebanon hosting the second segment of a district-wide listening tour that focuses on health care.
“If you feel that no one is listening, I invite you to come out so that your voice can be heard,” Hartlzer said in a press release. “Health care is of vital importance to every man, woman and child. The people of this district deserve to have their voices hear as drastic changes are being proposed in Washington which could jeopardize the best health care system in the world.
“It is deeply troubling that Congressman Skelton will not be holding a health care forum that is open to the general public,” she said. “I firmly believe it is the job of our elected officials to represent the people of their district. I welcome this opportunity to hear the ideas and concerns of the people of this area and look forward to visiting with them about ways to strengthen and improve our healthcare system.”
The listening tour will be from 6-7 p.m. in Christian Health Care: Lebanon South and is open to the general public.
In addition to being a state representative, the former teacher served on the Missouri Women’s Council after being appointed by then-governor Matt Blunt.
Hartlzer and her husband Lowell, who live near Harrisonville, have a farming operation and operate several equipment stores in the state.
Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District encompasses 24 counties, including Pulaski.
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