Hartzler joins Stouffer with "contender" status

The National Republican Congressional Committee appears to have given the stamp of approval to both of the major Republican candidates seeking to unseat Fourth District Congressman Ike Skelton. The following news release was issued today:

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republicans Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program, with Hartzler now facing a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in her bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Ike Skelton.
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Hartzler has already proven her ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.
Vicky Hartzler has demonstrated leadership abilities in her career both as a teacher and in public office. She served as a teacher for 11 years, including starting a program for at-risk teens. In 1994 she was overwhelmingly elected as state representative in the Missouri House of Representatives, where she introduced legislation promoting adoption, strengthening education, and lowering taxes for working Missourians. During her six years in office, Hartzler received many awards including “Individual of the Year Award” from the Harrisonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and “Public Servant of the Year Award” from the Pleasant Hill Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Vicky Hartzler has already proven that she will be a formidable candidate by meeting the Young Guns program’s rigorous goals and is well on her way to building a winning campaign that will put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Vicky is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. Her campaign has put Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”
Bill Stouffer, who is also running for the Republican nomination for this seat, joins Hartzler as a ‘Contender’ in the Young Guns program.