Boehner Makes Pledge in Missouri Race

Republicans are asking voters in central and western Missouri to oust Representative Ike Skelton, the veteran Democrat seeking an 18th term.

But that would mean giving up local claim to a prestigious post: Mr. Skelton is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which is no small thing in a district with two big military bases, Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base.

So the House Republican leader, John A. Boehner of Ohio, the likely speaker if Republicans win a majority, sought to reassure district voters on Wednesday by promising to help Mr. Skelton’s opponent, Vicky Hartzler, get a seat on the Armed Services panel if she wins.

“America’s warriors and their families need a leader like Vicky Hartzler who listens, understands the challenges they face, and is eager to address them,” Mr. Boehner said in a statement.

Ms. Hartzler, a former state representative, promptly Tweeted the good news to her followers.

But she left out one thing:There is a big difference between being chairman of the powerful, 62-member committee and holding a seat on the very far end of the dais. Ms. Hartzler’s role, even with a Republican majority, would be limited by her freshman status.

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