This afternoon the Kansas City Star endorsed Teresa Hensley (D) in her 4th Congressional District race against first term teabagger Vicky Hartzler (r).

Cass County Prosecutor and Democratic Party Candidate in the 4th Congressional District Teresa Hensley

received the endorsement of the Kansas City Star this afternoon.

The Star’s recommendations for U.S. House in Kansas, Missouri

Kansas City Star Editorial

Congress is deadlocked, stymied by partisanship and a big target for voter discontent, expressed in record-low approval ratings. Yet area incumbents likely have the upper hand. It shouldn’t be so in all cases.

Here are The Star’s recommendations for local contested congressional races:

Missouri

4th District

Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley, the Democratic challenger, far outclasses Republican incumbent Vicky Hartzler. Voters should evict Hartzler, who in her first term showed no interest in compromise or moderate views.

Hensley has a shot at accomplishing what voters often say they want: Beating an incumbent and offering a thoughtful approach to the nation’s ills. New boundaries stretch the district from Harrisonville to Columbia, and add the more progressive Boone County.

Hensley, of Raymore, emphasizes help for small businesses, including breaks on costly regulations, as the best way to boost job prospects in the largely rural district. Her record as prosecutor speaks well of her ability to pull people together. She’s created child abuse response teams as well as arson and DWI task forces. As she says, prosecutions aren’t partisan, and she pledges to keep that attitude in Congress.

She backs alternative energy efforts, public education improvements and reforms to the tax system, including higher taxes for those who earn more than $1 million.

Hartzler’s family is a long-time recipient of federal farm aid, yet she likes to bash U.S. spending – for others. She’s a tea party voter with no hint of compromising in her future. She’s ducked debate offers and avoids joint appearances. There’s a reason. Hensley’s thoughtful ideas would expose Hartzler’s weaknesses.

Hensley would effectively serve the district formerly represented for decades by Ike Skelton….

[emphasis in original]

“…Teresa Hensley, the Democratic challenger, far outclasses Republican incumbent Vicky Hartzler. Voters should evict Hartzler, who in her first term showed no interest in compromise or moderate views…”

Uh, we knew that a long time ago.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): “No answer given.” (October 19, 2012)

Teresa Hensley (D) in the 4th Congressional District: endorsement by the Columbia Daily Tribune (October 12, 2012)