House Republican Leader John Boehner says he will support giving a seat on the Armed Services Committee to Vicky Hartzler if she defeats the committee's Democratic chairman.
In Missouri, Hartzler is challenging longtime U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, who has based his campaign on his support for military troops and veterans. Skelton also has questioned Hartzler's commitment to those in the Armed Forces.
Hartzler has said she would be an advocate for the troops and would seek to expand the missions of Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood -- both of which are in the 4th Congressional District.
The National Republican Congressional Committee released a statement Wednesday in which Boehner pledged to support a seat for Hartzler on the House Armed Services Committee.