17-Term Democrat Faces Big Test in G.O.P. District (Ike Skelton)

New York Times ^ | Oct.17, 2010 | A. G. SULZBERGER

[Second Amendment First]

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — The unmistakable, zigzagging profile of the B-2 stealth bomber cut into view here suddenly, roaring above the field of assembled military veterans like a catchy campaign slogan belted at a political rally: Here it is, folks, the plane Representative Ike Skelton brought to town.

And in case that message was lost along the way, there was Mr. Skelton, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, his oversize frame still imposing after 17 terms representing this deeply Republican district as that rare Democrat whom the voters have been proud to call their own.

Now 78, and facing the most serious electoral challenge of his career, Mr. Skelton was introduced at the event this month as the man who was instrumental in arranging to have the nation’s fleet of B-2 bombers stationed at the nearby Whiteman Air Force Base. He deferred to the nonpolitical tone of the ceremony, which honored American soldiers who died in Vietnam, but his vague patriotic musings “from the vantage point of the Armed Services Committee” captured the essence of his star-spangled pitch for another term.

That message is aimed at people like Kenny Tharp, 63, a retired carpenter and former Marine who said he usually supported Republicans. “He’s my exception,” Mr. Tharp said. “I don’t know that Hartzler girl,” he continued, referring to Vicky Hartzler, who won a sharply contested nine-person primary for the Republican nomination. “I don’t know who she is. But he’s been here quite a few years.”

Mr. Skelton has been a particularly tempting target for Republicans because of his tenure, his stature and the political demographics of his district, which stretches from the Kansas City suburbs to the Ozarks and was easily won by Senator John McCain in the presidential race two years ago.

[Second Amendment First]

While racing around the streets of Richmond recently at the end of the annual homecoming parade, Ms. Hartzler greeted residents at a frenetic pace, rarely pausing to explain to the startled recipients of her handshake who she was and why she was there. Behind her, campaign workers handed out stickers that said “Fire Pelosi.”

“I don’t know her,” said Susan Rose, 67, a retired teacher, watching the parade from a lawn chair. “But I’ll probably vote a straight Republican ticket.”

“Although,” she added, “I do love Ike Skelton.”

I worked in Richmond for a couple of years with some really fine people, all very conservative for the most part, but they were pretty much democrats, even after the passage of the assult weapon ban. I was rather surprised at this teacher who usually voted straight republican.

Skelton is of the Truman democrat mold, but appears to be willing to go along with Pelosi in order to keep the military pork coming into the district. I would like to see this district turn red.

[fortheDeclaration]

These people better had wake up and see what Democrats are doing to this nation!

[GeronL]

How can it be called a “GOP district” when they have this guy for 17 terms?

[US Navy Vet]

“That message is aimed at people like Kenny Tharp, 63, a retired carpenter and former Marine who said he usually supported Republicans. “He’s my exception,” Mr. Tharp said. “I don’t know that Hartzler girl,” he continued, referring to Vicky Hartzler, who won a sharply contested nine-person primary for the Republican nomination. “I don’t know who she is. But he’s been here quite a few years.”

Typical DUMBASS know-nothing mid-western “go-along-to-get-along” attitude.

[MEGoody]

Time for Ike to retire!

[Second Amendment First]

I guess because McCain won there two years ago, but democrats are still a large constituancy, I guess from way back to Truman days.

In addition to the military installations mentioned, the Lake City ammo plant is in the district.

[Red Badger]

The Party's Over Artist(Band):Nat King Cole -Words by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and Music by Jule Styne The party's over It's time to call it a day They've burst your pretty balloon And taken the moon away It's time to wind up the masquerade Just make your mind up the piper must be paid The party's over The candles flicker and dim You danced and dreamed through the night It seemed to be right just being with him Now you must wake up, all dreams must end Take off your makeup, the party's over It's all over, my friend The party's over It's time to call it a day Now you must wake up, all dreams must end Take off your makeup, the party's over It's all over, my friend It's all over, my friend

[Red Badger]

The Party’s Over
Artist(Band):Nat King Cole

-Words by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and Music by Jule Styne

The party’s over
It’s time to call it a day
They’ve burst your pretty balloon
And taken the moon away
It’s time to wind up the masquerade
Just make your mind up the piper must be paid

The party’s over
The candles flicker and dim
You danced and dreamed through the night
It seemed to be right just being with him
Now you must wake up, all dreams must end
Take off your makeup, the party’s over
It’s all over, my friend

[instrumental ‘the party’s over’]
The party’s over
[instrumental ‘it’s time to call it a day’]
It’s time to call it a day
[instrumental they’le burst your pretty balloon and taken the moon away’]
Now you must wake up, all dreams must end
Take off your makeup, the party’s over
It’s all over, my friend

It’s all over, my friend

[samtheman]

How can it be called a “GOP district” when they have this guy for 17 terms?

I'm guessing it's a NY Times thing.

[Second Amendment First]

If the election goes the way I think it will, the party for me will just be starting.

[subterfuge]

17-Term Democrat

I think I may have diagnosed the problem. And people call Florida voters dumb! No one should serve that long. I wonder if he is as wealthy as Harry Reid?

[GeronL]

I guess NYC is a Republican town because it elected Rudy too.

geesh

[SF_Redux]

OUT with IKE

[Second Amendment First]

Doubt he’s as wealthy as Reid. In Missouri the wealthy political family is the Carnahans.

[Opinionated Blowhard]

Skelton really is one of the last remaining “conservative” Democrats. In the past his voting record included a lot to admire, especially on defense and foreign policy. I wouldn’t mind if someone like him held his office. Having said that, he is a perfect example of the limits of having a “conservative” Democrat in office—he still has to toe the party line on important votes and vote for the Extreme Lib leadership.

[Oldpuppymax]

A GOP district? Sounds more like a lib district to me. Or at LEAST an elitist district replete with SUCKERS!!!

[kittymyrib]

Some of these old voters, who are too lazy to inform themselves about the disastrous problems they have willed to following generations by their rancid voting record, ought to be shovel-ready soon. Hopefully, the political climate will change with their passing.

[Second Amendment First]

...ought to be shovel-ready soon.

LOL! Now that's shovel-ready I can believe in.

[fungoking]

I have voted for Ike (usually the only dim I voted for) every election since I moved into this district over 20 years ago. He was the type of dim I was raised to support, the kind I want to exist and vote for. Now, often there wasn't much of a republican choice and the race has never been close. Many people that I have talked to are like me, long term Skelton voters who are not voting for him this year. The last 4 years Ike has NEVER stood up to his party. He votes “no” when Nancy lets him but never when it matters. He voted against HCR but voted yes on all the votes leading up to it, and voted against the attempt to repeal it.

I'd be really surprised if Ike didn't win but it will be without my vote. For the 1st time ever I saw a DNC ad for Ike on TV the other day so at least the dims are having to spend $ on a seat they have never had to before.

BTW, this may be the last go around for Ike anyway. MO maybe losing a House seat and since Republicans control both state houses Ike's district is going to disappear.

[Second Amendment First]

You’re probably right, his district will get carved up if we lose a seat.