POLITIGAB: Not all political signs require a permit

A Doug Lamborn supporter is making a ruckus over the fact that opponent for the GOP nomination in the 5th Congressional District Jeff Crank didn't buy a political sign permit.
Crank's campaign counters that he didn't need it. "You need a permit if the signs go on city property," said Crank spokeswoman Amber Glus. "We are not in the business of putting signs on city property."
She said if volunteers accidentally put signs in city medians, they will be removed as required. She added the campaign purchased a $40 sign permit Wednesday.
Douglas Bruce, who's running in House District 15, didn't buy a permit for the same reason. He has no large signs, only the yard-size variety, and doesn't post them on city right of way.
Ken Lewis, city code enforcement chief, said it's okay for candidates to post signs on the area next to curbs between noon on a Friday to noon the following Sunday. He has crews that yank signs that violate the restrictions.
But he said he hasn't targeted Crank or Bruce, despite two complaints received against Crank's signs at the City Clerk's Office. One of those was submitted by a supporter of Lamborn, who is seeking his second term.
Time running out
Bentley Rayburn, a third Republican candidate in the 5th District, is asking supporters to sign up to run phone banks, walk precincts and wave signs as the campaign heads into the final stretch. To volunteer call 884-7457. Works times are two-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The primary election is Tuesday.
Last chance
Friday is the last day to get a mail-in ballot for the primary election on Tuesday. It's too late to ask the election office to send a mail-in ballot through the mail, but voters can pick them up at the downtown branch of the Clerk and Recorder's Office. It's in Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave. Mail-in ballots must be returned (not just postmarked) to the election office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. For details visit http://car.elpasoco.com/election or call 575-8683.
A final word
The last Politigab column before the primary election will appear in Saturday's edition. Submit items no later than 3 p.m. Friday to pam.zubeck@gazette.com