Despite no-shows, candidates debate in Woodland Park

WOODLAND PARK • Call it old fashioned, but many people like to decide what candidate they'll vote for by seeing them in person and listening to how they respond to questions.

About 75 people here got that chance Monday by attending the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce primary candidates forum.

Candidates for national, state and local offices took seats normally occupied by Woodland Park City Council members to espouse their political platforms and outline the differences between themselves.

Conspicuously absent were Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., and 4th Judicial District Attorney John Newsome. Lamborn was accepting an award in Colorado Springs, his spokeswoman said, and Newsome had a fundraiser he had previously committed to, he said last week.

"I was extremely disappointed" Lamborn didn't attend, said Dave Sapp of Divide, who attended the forum with his wife, Vicki. "I've never seen him in person, and I was really looking forward to seeing how he handles himself."

Sapp said he hadn't made his mind up and was using the forum to help guide his vote.

Lamborn has said there aren't many differences on the issues between himself and 5th Congressional District Republican challengers Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn - at least not enough to warrant showing up for a debate, said spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen.
Crank hit Lamborn the hardest, telling the audience: "We can't seem to get our other opponent to come out and talk on the issues," and "I look forward to an opportunity to debate and not hide" when on the floor of Congress.

"This is what our democracy is all about - interface with those who represent you or want to represent you," Rayburn said.
Dan May, Newsome's challenger in the Aug. 12 GOP primary, told the crowd he is running on a platform of "personal responsibility, trust and accountability."

He was asked about the smoking in casinos issue, how he could save taxpayers money and his opinion of a citizen's right to bear arms. May lost to Newsome in 2004.

"I did a poor job of stating my vision four years ago for how this office can go forward," May said. "I know what needs to be done. I've moved through all the departments in a DA's office, and I can lead that office"

The forum also included Republican candidates for the State Senate, 4th District, Mark Scheffel and Bob Denny and State House, 45th District, Mark Sievers and Carole Murray.

Audience members asked them about how they would stay in touch with district residents - especially those in rural areas; how they would fix Colorado's crumbling highways and bridges; and the best way to drill for oil in Colorado.

Debbie Miller, president of the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, said the forum was successful despite the no-shows.
"The candidates (who don't show) are missing out on an opportunity to tell the public about their platform, answer any questions and inform voters," Miller said.

Miller, who previously worked on campaigns for a representative and a senator while living in Illinois, said she's now seen both sides of candidate forums. She understands why an incumbent might not want to show up.

"Usually, an incumbent has accomplishments they've been able to do that they can point to and reiterate to the public and the business community - especially accomplishments across the aisle," Miller said. "If there's anything controversial and if they show up it could come up at the forum. They may have to defend themselves instead of promoting themselves - it's really a two-edged sword."

Audience questions at Monday's forum were pre-approved by moderators.

The Chamber is also hosting a general election candidates forum Oct. 13.