US Senate candidates: Rep. Vicky Hartzler
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
With the primary elections in Missouri next week, ABC 17 News is taking a look at some of the candidates running for the United States Senate seat currently held by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).
ABC 17 spoke with Republican hopeful Vicky Hartzler on her campaign and her vision for Missouri.
Since 2011, Rep. Hartzler has held the 4th district of Missouri in the United States House of Representatives.
The six-term congresswoman has been a strong advocate for police, servicemen and women and the farmers in Missouri.
The 4th district of Missouri is historically a Democratic seat in the house.
Ike Skelton held the seat for 17 terms before a former Missouri house member ran for the Republican nomination and defeated Skelton in the general election.
With that 2010 victory, Hartzler became the first Republican to hold the seat since 1955.
"The incumbent got of touch and he stopped representing our values," said Rep. Hartzler.
Now the Archie, Missouri native is in a highly contested race in the final few days of this leg of the campaign.
"We are going to win this seat, we are going to take back control of the senate, and we are going to save our county," said Rep. Hartzler.
Currently, Hartzler has sat on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee since going to Washington in 2011.
"I get out in my district all the time and I listen to them and then I go back to Washington and fight for them," said Rep. Hartzler.
Hartzler is currently endorsed by the Farm Bureau and former United States Senator Kit Bond among others.
Some of the candidates have hoped for an endorsement from the former president. Hartzler however, isn't worried that she didn't.
"I am very grateful for the support of Missourians who know me, and I appreciate what Senator Josh Hawley said when he endorsed me," said Rep. Hartzler.
When it comes to Missouri, the congresswoman knows exactly what she wants to focus on immediately if she wins the seat.
"Well, we need energy independence in the county. And gas prices are going through the roof and we can reverse that by starting to drill and embracing the energy that we have here. We have to get inflation under control and that means to stop spending money we don't have. Encourage people to get back to work and address these supply chain issues and make more things here," said Rep. Hartzler.
As the last few days of the primary campaign come to an end. Congresswoman Hartzler is touring the state as part of her heartland tour.
When it comes to making sure that Missouri families are in a better position with a "Senator Hartzler" in Washington, the focus is on a strong national defense, a safe southern border, working with local police and community leaders to make sure all Missourians are safe from crime.
"But I want to see a prosperous America as well, where the economy is flourishing, where people have good jobs and education is focused on the ABC's. And I am not going to rest, I am going to put my farmer work ethic where I get up at 5 in the morning and go to bed at midnight for the people I love and serve. And I am going to fight for Missouri so everyone can feel safe, be prosperous, and live out the American dream," said Rep. Hartzler.
In addition to endorsements from Sen. Josh Hawley and the Missouri Farm Bureau, Congresswoman Hartzler has also received endorsements from the Cattleman's Association, Missouri Right to Life, and Corn Growers Association as well.
