Skelton: Defeated but not ready to retire

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Lexington, speaks to the Tiger Blue Battalion for the last time as a congressman on Thursday at the annual Lincoln University ROTC Veterans Day breakfast. Photo by Julie Smith.

By Bob Watson

Friday, November 12, 2010

In his first speech after the first major loss of his political career, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton made no bones about it: “I can’t deny that I wish the outcome of my particular election had turned out differently.”

And he said his defeat — and losses by another 59 House Democrats and some in the U.S. Senate, as well — were the result of a “political tsunami ... there was unhappiness across the nation, not just in this area.”

Skelton came to Jefferson City on Thursday as he has every Veterans Day for the past 23 years, to be the keynote speaker for the annual Lincoln University ROTC Veterans Day Breakfast, honoring those Mid-Missourians who have served and sacrificed for their country.

But for the first time, the Lexington Democrat came in defeat, having lost his re-election bid for an 18th two-year term in Congress to Republican Vicky Hartzler, by just more than 12,000 votes out of more than 225,000 cast.

He said the loss surprised him and others.

“My favorable ratings remained very high,” Skelton explained. “My polling was very positive, and I fully expected to win.”

Photo by Julie Smith

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Lexington, speaks to the Tiger Blue Battalion for the last time as a congressman on Thursday at the annual Lincoln University ROTC Veterans Day breakfast.

He said President Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among the well-wishers who called him last Wednesday, after the election results were known.

“A lot of my colleagues, God love them, called,” he said, “and a lot of good friends.”

And he’s gotten a “stack” of letters from people “thanking me for my service.”

Skelton said he’s not ready to retire.

“I would like to do something positive for our country,” he said. “I think that I have a lot to offer, wherever it is.

“I can’t pre-judge where it goes ... I’m just trying to reconstruct my thoughts and see where I can be of some help.”

More like this story

scoobydo 2 years, 6 months ago

From okay representation to empty meaningless cliches with no answers for anything, thanks sheeple.

wcywing 2 years, 6 months ago

well, sometimes it happens. people don't know the issues fully and don't make an intelligent vote.

Daddy 2 years, 6 months ago

Hey look at it this way now we have Vicky "I hate vets and the U.S. flag" Hartzler hop you folks can swallow the pill you just got prescribed were in for it now!

wcywing 2 years, 6 months ago

well Daddy, like you said the people have spoken. do i like Ike being voted out, no. then again if he decides to run again, i will vote for him.

LivinInMo 2 years, 6 months ago

I just want to thank Mr. Skelton for his years of dedicated service to his constituents and this country. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Service Committee, he did a lot for this country during some very hard times. Oh, and he did stand up to Obama and Pelosi - he voted NO to healthcare. That took a lot of guts for a democrat to stand up to those two. Thanks again Mr. Skelton. You deserve a standing O!

hudson 2 years, 6 months ago

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