The primary results in the 4th Congressional District:

U.S. Representative – District 4 
356 of 356 Precincts Reported
Democratic
Gordon Christensen 17,146 62.732%
Jack Truman 10,186 37.268%
Party Total: 27,332

Republican 
John E Webb 28,012 27.512%
Vicky Hartzler 73,807 72.488%
Party Total: 101,819
 
Libertarian
Mark Bliss 520 100.000%
Party Total: 520

[emphasis added]

Gordon Christensen, the Democratic Party nominee in the 4th Congressional District – August 3, 2016.

Last night in Warrensburg Gordon Christensen’s (D) campaign held an organization meeting for individuals in Johnson County who will be helping with the campaign’s field work (door-to door and phone banking). In a possible wave election year a robust field operation can and will make all the difference in the world.

You all know what to do.

Gordon Christensen (D) [2015 file photo].

We received the following press release late this afternoon:

Dr. Gordon Christensen has released the following statement.

“It is my pleasure and honor announcing to the citizens of the Missouri 4th Congressional District that I will seek the Democratic nomination to represent them in the House of Representatives.

All Missourians, whether they live on the farm or in the city, have to face the twin problems of increasingly expensive healthcare and increasingly difficult to get healthcare. So, to avoid the cost and the hassle, too many of us are not taking care of ourselves and our families. That only makes the problems worse. The Affordable Care Act promised to solve these problem; but to keep that promise, it needs more work both at the State and Federal level. As a physician, medical educator, and medical scientist, I intend to use my knowledge of medical care to improve the delivery of healthcare and reduce the cost of medical care for all Missourians.

As a physician, I know that all adults have the right to make their own health care decisions. This right, known as the right of Autonomy, is the central principle of medical ethics. Among other things, the right to self-determination means you can decide what medical care is best for you. This principle applies to all medical decisions including women’s healthcare and this is a principle that Congress needs to understand. Personal medical decisions should be between the patient and the doctor, not government.

All Missourians, as are all Americans, are indebted to the men and women who, by serving in the armed forces, dedicated their lives to protecting us. Our Veterans are our Heroes. We have pledged to care for them, just as they took care of us. The Department of Veterans Affairs – the ‘VA’ – has provided this care since the end of World War II. I was a VA physician for 20 years; my wife, Alice, is a VA clinical psychologist – she has worked for the VA for more than 25 years. I know that the VA is staffed by dedicated professionals who only want to do the best for our Veterans. I also know that all too often the VA fails to keep the promise of caring for our Veterans. This disservice simply cannot be tolerated. I know from my personal experience as a VA whistleblower and from my appearances before Congressional Committees, that many of the problems within the VA are due to poor Congressional oversight of the VA. I intend to fix this.

The uniquely American entrepreneurial spirit is a key driver of well-paying jobs and economic growth in the 21st century global economy. As your representative in Congress I will work toward economic security for all citizens by promoting policies that will stimulate small business and economic growth for everyone. I will also address the growing problem of the shrinking middle class in our district and country. The middle class has become a casualty of the dysfunction of the current Congress. My opponent is part of that dysfunction.

It is strange, but true, that in the 21st century, so many of our public concerns are concerns about healthcare. I have been a licensed, practicing, physician for more than 41 years. I am certified in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and tropical medicine. I have been a medical educator for more than 36 years. I am a medical scientist whose discoveries have changed the practice of medicine. I have been a medical and educational leader at the University of Missouri where I have worked for more than 27 years and where I have been the Chief of Staff of the University of Missouri Hospital and the leader of the University of Missouri faculty government. Finally, I have demonstrated my willingness to do what is best for patients, even if my speaking truth to power comes at great personal cost. I am prepared to lead the way for all Missourians to a better life in the 21st century. The time is now to put a physician in the house!”

Jim White (D) and incumbent Vicky Hartzler (r) are also candidates in the 4th Congressional District.

Previously:

Contemplating the 4th Congressional District (November 6, 2015)

Gordon Christensen (D) in the 4th Congressional District – November 7, 2015 (November 8, 2015)

Gordon Christensen (D), who is contemplating a run in the 4th Congressional District, made his first political foray last night in Warrensburg at a local fundraising event for the Johnson County Democratic Committee.

Gordon Christensen (D) in Warrensburg – November 7, 2015.

He spoke briefly to those in attendance, citing the needs to improve health care delivery for veterans and for access to affordable health care for all Americans. He also addressed the current dysfunction in the republican controlled Congress – calling the creation of the Planned Parenthood committee and Representative Vicky Hartzler’s (r) appointment to it nothing more than political theater.

The seat is currently held by Vicky Hartzler (r). Democrat Jim White is also running and has established a committee.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): hitting the show trial big time (October 23, 2015)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): Your famos! (October 23, 2015)

Contemplating the 4th Congressional District (November 6, 2015)

We received the following press release from a representative of a possible Democratic Party candidate in the 4th Congressional District:

Gordon Christensen (D) [submitted photo].

Christensen for Congress Exploratory Committee

Gordon Christensen, M.D. has launched a Congressional Exploratory Committee for the 4th Congressional District of Missouri. Dr. Christensen has practiced and taught at the University of Missouri, Columbia for over 27 years as well as the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital for 20 years. During his time at the University, Dr. Christensen has served as the Chairman of the MU Faculty Council and also as the Chief of Staff for the University Hospital.

Dr. Christensen is considering running for Congress because he knows women’s healthcare is currently under attack from Congress for purely political reasons and that Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals are in desperate need of attention and funding. Dr. Christensen strongly believes that the healthcare of our veterans, women, and the American people is not something with which we should play politics.

Due to the district’s current Congressperson beholden to special interests rather than the people of Missouri and the extreme dysfunction in Congress, Dr. Christensen has organized an experienced professional team to provide him the support necessary to make a decision whether to run for Congress. His decision is expected within the month.