Saying she will continue the fight for "our heartland views and values of faith, family, free enterprise and freedom," U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler filed Friday for a second term in the U.S. House.
Hartzler, R-Harrisonville - who defeated veteran incumbent Ike Skelton, D-Lexington, in November 2010 - said in a news release: "It has been an honor to fight for the good people of Missouri this past year.
"I was elected to help fix what is clearly broken in Washington. That is why I have carried Missouri's work ethic and the people's common sense ideas with me to fight against Big Government's over-regulation, high taxation, and anti-small business legislation, which are killing jobs."
She said her work in Congress has included fighting "for common sense reforms, a balanced budget amendment, American-produced energy, and a strong national defense. More than once I have stood against the entrenched politicians of both major parties (who) too often are willing to just kick the can down the road, rather than solve our nation's most pressing problems."
Hartzler said the 4th District's "hardworking voters ... are tired of the failures of the federal government to live within its means. We must set priorities based on the needs of the people, and safeguard our rights as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution."
In the state's new Congressional District map, the 4th District adds Boone County and loses Cole County in Mid-Missouri.
Hartzler pledged to "continue to listen to the people I serve, and work to get America back on track. Americans have always dreamed big and delivered great results - it is our duty to ensure that the American Dream lives on in the next generation. It's a legacy worth fighting for, and I'm honored to help lead the charge."
Prior to serving as a lawmaker, Hartzler was a junior high and high school teacher in Lebanon and Belton.
She is a 1983 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri, with a bachelor's degree in education.
She and her husband, Lowell, live on a farm in Cass County and are co-owners of Hartzler Equipment Company, with store locations in Harrisonville, Lamar and Nevada.