(H/T Tony Messenger)
The Politico reported today that the National Republican Congressional Committee will target U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Lexington, in next year's election:
House Republicans also appear confident that difficult votes on health
care and energy legislation will put battle-tested members from
conservative districts in trouble. There are over a dozen Blue Dog
Democrats on the list, including those who have coasted to re-election
in recent years.
Democratic members fitting that description include House Armed
Services Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), who hasn’t faced a tough
re-election since 1982, Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Dan Boren (D-Okla.),
Ben Chandler (D-Ky.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) -- all of whom are on
the list.
The NRCC's support is important because it could mean whoever emerges as the GOP candidate could receive financial and organizational assistance. Contenders who lack the support of national organizations like the NRCC or the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee rarely end up prevailing in elections.
It's an open question, however, who will emerge as the GOP nominee. Congressional Quarterly mentioned former state Rep. Vicky Hartzler as a contender. Other possible candidates include Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, and state Rep. Tom Self, R-Cole Camp.
As noted in the article, Republicans have typically left Skelton alone. He won his 2008 re-election bid with over 60 percent of the vote
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