Republican assembly notebook

‘Blatant disregard?' 

    It wasn't just the races for seats that were contested at the El Paso County Republican Assembly on Saturday. The way the event was conducted was protested by former county party chairwoman Terry Kunkel.

    Kunkel passed out fliers arguing that county party chairman Greg Garcia "has blatant disregard for the position he holds." She took issue with a number of decisions, most notably a rule that officeseekers who do not sign a pledge to go through the party caucus process rather than petition onto the primary ballot cannot set up a table, pass out literature or speak as candidates at the assembly.

    The rule kept U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn and congressional candidate Bentley Rayburn from handing out materials, though Lamborn was permitted to speak. Kunkel, who wore a Lamborn sticker, said Garcia was taking away the rights of candidates considering getting onto the ballot in a way allowed by state law.

    County GOP executive director Nathan Fisk responded that party leaders are giving an incentive to candidates to go through the caucus process, which they think strengthens the party from the grass-roots level.

Petition central 

    Among the petitions attendees could sign Saturday was one that would do away with the city's Stormwater Enterprise by making it voluntary.

    Another petition is the "Right to Work" initiative. If it makes the ballot, it's likely to be opposed by unions, which consider right-to-work laws a threat to their existence.

    A table was set up on behalf of 4th Judicial District Attorney John Newsome, who was represented by dozens of campaign signs in and out of the hall. Odd, since he's facing no primary and the Democrats have not found anyone willing to take him on.

    Other campaigns with high profiles Saturday included the trio vying for the GOP's 5th Congressional District nomination. Signs for incumbent Doug Lamborn and challengers Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn abounded.

A question for you 

    Retiring state Sen. Andy McElhany put El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark on the spot as she was seeking her party's nomination for a second term. McElhany said he's heard talk of the county asking voters for a 1 percent sales tax increase and asked Clark to promise she would not vote in favor of a new tax.
    "Andy, you know I'm not going to promise that," Clark said, noting the county's financial struggles.

    Clark then offered a retort: "Andy, I have a question for you. Will you quit mandating things at the state level that create things we have to pay for at the local level?"

    - Signs promoting candidates covered the Phil Long Expo Center. Hardly any place was spared a red, white and blue promo, including the men's restrooms, where 5th Congressional District candidate Jeff Crank had signs over the urinals and House District 15 candidate Mark Waller had posted a few placards.