Skelton makes campaign stop in Nevada

United States Congressman for the 4th Congressional District Ike Skelton paid a visit to Nevada on Wednesday to speak with local democrats during an informal luncheon held at their new headquarters building on Austin Boulevard.

Skelton kept things brief and said he has been blessed to be able to return to public service again and again through the years. In his short speech, the congressman said, "we have some real challenges today." The economy and terrorism are what Skelton sees as the two most important issues facing the country right now.

Skelton has been on the Armed Services Committee since 1981 and his seniority and experience in that arena has put him in the position of chairman of that committee. He lauded the good work they do on the committee and said, "we are undoubtedly the most bipartisan committee in the United States."

Skelton said that there is a strong military presence in the 4th district and that means jobs. He mentioned Fort Leonard Wood, the National Guard headquarters in Jefferson City and Whiteman AFB, and single out Fort Leonard Wood. He said that he had "worked hard to bring additional missions to Fort Leonard Wood," because this means jobs. A large increase in troops training at the Missouri facility is "a jobs creator," Skelton said.

Skelton went on to say that they were doing what they can because "the economy needs jobs." He also said that he likes to "stay in touch with folks." He said he has made more than 216 public visits this year. This visit makes at least four times Skelton has been in Nevada in the past year.

Skelton closed put his speech by saying that he gets into the school a lot and enjoys doing that. "It's important to talk to young people about our country and our government," he said. He also mentioned that the values established by the founding fathers are reflected in the constitution, the government and what we do. "I hope you send me back," he said.

In a later interview, Skelton said that he would not just toe the party line and vote against the voice of the district. "No," he said, I'm an independent voter." When asked about his vote for cap and trade, Skelton said part of the bill would have given the Environmental Protection Agency jurisdiction over the Department of Agriculture. "I voted for the bill to control the EPA," he said. "Ask any farmer, read the bill, do farmers want EPA control?" he said.

Skelton said he did not see the high profile endorsements garnered by his opponent Vicky Hartzler as a threat to his incumbency. I have the same rating as she does with the National Rifle Association and I received the Friends of Farm Bureau Award this year, for my "votes on agriculture," he said.

Skelton couldn't recall how many times he had been in Vernon County this year, but he did say, "if you stay close to the people, people stay close to you. And that's what I do. I enjoy it," he said.

The congressman said he will continue to protect the military facilities in Missouri and the 40,000 jobs they create in the state. When asked what he would do for the citizens of Vernon County if re-elected, Skelton said he will "continue to work with agriculture and bring infrastructure to the area. Infrastructure means jobs," he said. Skelton went on to say that agriculture is big in the state and district and "we do all we can to protect agriculture."

Before leaving, Skelton told the crowd that "Tuesday's a big day; vote early." The number of local democrats attending the event was in excess of 70 people according to Phyllis Sprenkle, one of the local party members. "I don't think we could have expected more," she said. Local democrats provided soup, sandwiches and other foods for the event as well as coffee, tea and lemonade.