Ike Skelton, the Democratic congressman in this rural, conservative district, has been in Congress for 17 terms and represents one of the last of a dying breed, often referred to as a Truman Democrat. Indeed, he represents President Truman’s old district.
Economically liberal, socially conservative, and hawkish on defense, Congressman Skelton has managed to hang on in a Republican district for 34 years.
This time around, he’s being hammered for his support of cap-and-trade legislation and the economic stimulus package, though he broke ranks with Democrats to oppose health-care reform.
His opponent, Vicky Hartzler, has the backing of Sarah Palin and the tea party. She’s a social conservative who was the state spokeswoman for the Coalition to Protect Marriage.
This is a district that will almost certainly go Republican if Skelton were to leave, and it’s going to be a hard fight for him to retain his seat this year – despite a large fundraising advantage.
Polls in Missouri close at 8 p.m. Eastern.
