West-Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton says he’s optimistic he’ll win re-election, despite the fact that Republicans have painted a target on his back.

The Missourinet asked Congressman Skelton what type of campaign he expected in the 4th Congressional District this year.

ā€œA successful one,ā€ Skelton responds. ā€œIā€™m all over the place, getting a lot of encouragement. And through the years we have made a lot of friends. I understand the district well. I look forward to the campaign. Itā€™s going to be a good race.ā€

Just as optimistic is his opponent, former State Representative Republican Vicky Hartzler of Harrisonville.

ā€œOur Congressman has given his vote to Nancy Pelosi for Speaker and siding with her 95% of the time,ā€ Hartzler says. ā€œAnd so theyā€™re (voters) standing up and saying, ā€˜We deserve betterā€™. So, itā€™s going to happen, I believe, in November.ā€

Hartzler’s charge that Skelton has lost touch with the district is nonsense according to the Congressman who has represented the 4th since 1976.

ā€œIā€™ve always felt it was important to stay close to the people you represent,ā€ Skelton says. ā€œYou see, if you stay close to the people, they will stay close to you.ā€

This has become a national race. US House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio will come to Jefferson City Labor Day Weekend to raise money for Hartzler.

ā€œThe Democrats are afraid theyā€™re going to lose this seat and the Republicans see this as an opportunity to get another conservative voice in Washington,ā€ according to Hartzler.

Boehner is to appear at a private residence early Saturday afternoon for the Hartzler fund-raiser.

AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [1:20 MP3]