The pledges from the minority leader suggest an effort to boost candidates in tough races. GOP-ers promised committee slots

Two Republican House candidates in the last day have announced that House Minority Leader John Boehner has promised them valuable committee assignments.

Rep. Charles Djou of Hawaii was promised a seat on the Appropriations Committee and Vicky Hartzler, running against Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), was promised a spot on the panel that oversees the military.


The pledges from Boehner (R-Ohio) indicate a push from Republicans in Washington to boost candidates in tough races.

Djou, who won the Honolulu-based seat in a special election in May, released a statement indicating that Boehner pledged his “full support” for a seat on the powerful spending committee.

“Charles would fight to curb government spending while working to ensure the Pacific Fleet, defense installations, and military personnel in Hawaii have the resources they need to help keep America secure,” Boehner said, according to the Djou release. “I look forward to working with him, the Republican leadership, and the Members of the Steering Committee to place him on the House Appropriations Committee at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Djou’s ability to control spending could be attractive for Hawaii, with its bevy of military installations.

Hartzler made her announcement Tuesday during a political forum in St. Robert, Mo., according to KY3 television in Missouri.

“We’ve received news that Republican leader John Boehner has pledged, if we take the majority, that he will save a seat for me on the Armed Services Committee,” Hartzler said.

A seat on the Armed Services Committee could give voters comfort for voting out Skelton, the chairman of the committee who enjoys outsized influence in Washington.