Crank gears up for campaign by enlisting local GOP support

Congressional candidate Jeff Crank has enlisted the support of some prominent local Republican and business figures in his campaign to unseat incumbent Rep. Doug Lamborn.

Friday, Crank announced the members of his finance committee. Among those who will head up fundraising for his campaign are Terry Harris, former longtime El Paso County administrator, and prominent local developer and former gubernatorial candidate Steve Schuck.

Crank, former Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce vice president, was the runner-up to Lamborn in last year’s six-way GOP primary.

Many of those on his finance committee backed him in 2006.

“My belief that Jeff would best represent the interest of the 5th Congressional District are the same today as they were two years ago,” said Schuck, who ran for governor in 1986.

He said more names will be added to the committee.

“I think you will see a very very powerful assemblage of people who will send a very loud and clear message that there is strong support and it will back itself up with dollars,” Schuck said.

The Crank supporters contacted Friday declined to discuss their feelings on Lamborn.

“I supported (Crank) the first time, so I’m just staying consistent,” Harris said.

“I just believe he’s the better guy for the job,” he said.

The tendency in primary races involving an incumbent is for prominent party members to stick with the incumbent, so Crank said he is encouraged to get the backing of local heavy-hitters.

“It is encouraging that they are willing to stand with me and support me,” Crank said.

Others who will serve on Crank’s finance committee are Bruce Benson, another former GOP gubernatorial candidate; Gary Bohall; Gary Loo; Bill Miller; Joe Reich; Bruce Shepard; Kevan Worley and Larry Yonker.

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