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.

Renee Hoagenson (D) – Belton, Missouri – September 18, 2018

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.

Renee Hoagenson (D) in Columbia, Missouri – August 7, 2018.

Via the Missouri Secretary of State web site:

State of Missouri – State of Missouri – Primary Election, August 07, 2018
Unofficial Results
as of 8/7/2018 11:15:40 PM

U.S. Representative – District 4
363 of 363 Precincts Reported

John Webb Republican 26,787 26.518%
Vicky Hartzler Republican 74,226 73.482%
Party Total: 101,013

Renee Hoagenson Democratic 24,139 51.871%
Hallie J Thompson Democratic 22,398 48.129%
Party Total: 46,537

Steven Koonse Libertarian 312 43.944%
Mark Bliss Libertarian 398 56.056%
Party Total: 710

Total Votes: 148,260

[emphasis added]

There were two very good candidates in the Democratic Party primary. Now comes the hard part…

On Sunday afternoon Renee Hoagenson (D), a candidate in the 4th Congressional District, held an informal meet and greet with voters in a supporter’s home in rural Johnson County. Approximately thirty individuals attended.

Renee Hoagenson (D).

Over the course of the two hour event Renee Hoagenson spoke individually with everyone, addressed the group, and answered a number of questions on a variety of subjects – including the dysfunction in Congress, health care, Medicare, Social Security, campaign finance, and “Right to Work”.

You meet voters, tell them who you are and what you believe in, and ask them for their support and vote.

One of the Democratic Party candidates in the 4th Congressional District has some billboards up.

This morning.

On U.S. 50, west of Warrensburg.

Yes, we do deserve a much better Congress.