Vicky Hartzler (r), August 25, 2010:

…My campaign has set aside Friday afternoons through October 22 and has called on media outlets and civic organizations to schedule forums in which the two candidates could state their views and take questions from citizens…

That was then, this is now.

Apparently Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) now believes that Renee Hoagenson’s (D) campaign is “bullying” her by doing what Vicky Hartzler’s (r) campaign did in 2010. Chutzpah. And Karma. And a belief that no one anywhere has any memory that goes back longer than ten minutes.

Renee Hoagenson (D) and her campaign found a few open dates, booked the venues, and publicized a willingness to engage in debates at those dates, times, and locations in the district. Vicky Hartzler’s campaign expressed their outrage at the impudence.

Yesterday in Belton, at one of the days and venues scheduled by Renee Hoagenson’s (D) campaign, Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) was a no show (Is anyone surprised?) – so Renee Hoagenson held an open public town hall. Over sixty voters showed up, along with media – the local paper and Show Me Progress.

The town hall with Renee Hoagenson (D) (and with Vicky Hartzler’s (r) absence) started at 7:00 p.m. and went past 8:30 p.m. Renee Hoagenson addressed written questions submitted by those in attendance and engaged in give and take with the audience. All of this open discussions included follow-ups.

The voters in attendance asked questions and provided their opinions on education, the budget, the deficit, the economy, access to affordable health care, campaign finance reform, term limits, agriculture (the farm bill), student loans, the military budget, and more.

After the “formal” portion of the town hall Renee Hoagenson (D) remained to greet and speak with any individuals who were so inclined.