Crank's campaign questions Lamborn's honesty

The Jeff Crank campaign has done some homework in efforts to cast doubt on Rep. Doug Lamborn's veracity.

Both are seeking the Republican nomination in the 5th Congressional District, along with a third hopeful, Bentley Rayburn.

Crank's campaign consultant Patrick Davis said that in numerous campaign pieces of two years ago, Lamborn repeatedly stated, "I've never supported a single tax increase, and won't do so in Congress," or some variation on that theme.

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, in a letter endorsing him said, "Where I come from, a real conservative does not support tax hikes. Doug never has and never will."

Well, as it turns out, that's not the case. According to newspaper accounts of the time, when Lamborn sought a seat in the Kansas Legislature in 1982, he supported a severance tax, and alcohol, cigarette and motor vehicle taxes. The Lawrence Journal-World quoted him saying, "We're going to need to take a look at slightly raising existing taxes as well as cultivating newer, less established taxes."

Asked to comment on this conflict with his more recent claims, Lamborn issued a written statement, saying, "It remains true that I have never voted for, or supported a tax increase in my 13 1/2 years in public office."

But Davis argues he didn't qualify his anti-tax boasts before, saying he has "never supported a tax increase."

"It goes to his character and his honesty," Davis said. "Doug Lamborn's so-called fiscal conservative credentials are based on a lie."

Plan to end the war

Retired Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, Democratic candidate in the 5th Congressional District, signed onto "A Responsible Plan To End The War In Iraq" on Monday.

"It's time to turn the responsibility of governing over to the Iraqi people," said Bidlack. "As a former military officer myself, I trust our military leadership to design and implement a responsible, safe, and timely re-deployment of American forces out of Iraq."

Since the beginning of this year, the Responsible Plan has received the endorsement of 30 major party congressional candidates, and more than 10,000 citizens. To learn more about the plan, visit: www.responsibleplan.com.

Meantime, Bidlack also sent out a news release expressing dismay at the quibbling going on among the Republicans in the race.
"It's situations like these − back-room dealings, corruption and controversy − that make people distrust their government," Bidlack said. "This election is about right and wrong, and bringing change and trust back to our government. Right now both Crank and Rayburn are wrong."

He was referring to a deal in which Crank and Rayburn agreed that one would drop out if a joint poll showed the other leading by more than four points. Rayburn lost confidence in the poll and pulled out of the deal. Crank, who scored a 17-point margin over Rayburn, then heckled Rayburn for not being good on his word.

"The people of the 5th CD are looking for leaders they can trust," Bidlack said, adding, "There are too many issues currently facing hard-working Americans to be fighting over back-room deals on poll results."

Crank hits the airwaves

On Monday Crank launched the first in a series of campaign TV and radio ads. They show Crank as a "young college-age conservative who drew national attention when he stepped forward from a crowd to stop liberal extremists from burning the American flag," the ad says.

"I remember watching the demonstration and thinking, ‘this defames all men and women who have ever served our country,'" said Crank.

Crank was a junior at Colorado State University in Fort Collins at the time.

The television ad also touts Crank as the candidate with the "courageous voice of reform" and "the courage to lead; the conviction and commitment to bring conservative change to Washington."

To view the ad, go to www.jeffcrank.com.

Mays like Rayburn

Former state Sen. Ron May and his wife, Onilla, voiced their support for Rayburn in a YouTube message. May highlighted the retired Air Force officer's leadership ability and his deep understanding of Colorado issues. Onilla discussed the need in Congress for representatives with character who are real statesmen. To view the message, go to www.RayburnForCongress.org.

Chamber backs Lamborn

The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce apparently supports Doug Lamborn in the 5th Congressional race, but it hasn't notified the local media of the decision.

A political Web site reported the endorsement, and a disgruntled chamber member who disagreed with the endorsement contacted The Gazette. But so far, no official announcement.

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