Letters - Tuesday

5TH DISTRICT
Crank has solid record opposing illegal immigration

Bernard L. Minetti thinks Jeff Crank’s candidacy amounts to secret “support for the immigration amnesty concept” (“Crank dances to Chamber’s tune,” Letters, March 2). He seems to base this on the notion that an endorsement from the Chamber of Commerce represents “political code” for amnesty.

In the 2006 primary, Crank earned endorsements from Reps. Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter, probably the two most outspoken opponents of illegal immigration in the House. These former presidential candidates apparently thought Crank was tougher on illegal immigration than Doug Lamborn or Bentley Rayburn. If that weren’t enough, Crank clearly outlines his immigration plan on his Web site.

There’s a lot of hard evidence to suggest Crank strongly opposes amnesty. What’s more, he champions concrete plans to stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the border. If Hunter and Tancredo like them, you can be sure they’re rigorous.

Larry E. Yonker, Colorado Springs

Rayburn has strength to serve in long run

Congressional House District 5 has an opportunity to elect an ideal candidate to represent us in Washington, D.C. Doug Lamborn has done a pretty good job, but doesn’t have the background and the depth to continue to be our envoy to Congress. However, Bentley Rayburn does have the experience, integrity and stamina to be our voice of clarity in the often murky conversations in Congress.

When I need a quick fix in my home, I go buy a piece of plywood. But, when I need strength and quality I buy oak. Lamborn has been a great piece of plywood to fill the seat vacated by his longtime predecessor. But it’s time to elect a piece of fine oak to serve us in the years to come in the U.S. Congress. It’s time to elect Bentley Rayburn.

We have a chance to put this retired general into the Congress. Plywood is OK for the moment, but oak will serve its purpose for decades.

Tony Barnes, Colorado Springs

Crank can win on vision, not mudslinging, insults
When I read Lisa Taskerud’s letter about the “disparaging and juvenile insults directed toward Rep. Doug Lamborn” on Jeff Crank’s Web site, I was taken aback (“Lamborn best positioned to represent voters,” March 2). I had looked at that site several times and didn’t remember seeing any reference to Lamborn, certainly nothing “juvenile” or “disparaging.” Just to be sure, I double-checked. There’s nothing written by the campaign or supporters that could even remotely be construed as insulting. The site lays out Crank's positions on nine or 10 major issues, but he doesn’t have a discourteous thing to say about another Republican or anybody else.

If Crank wins the election this November, everybody will know that his victory was due to his vision and drive, not mudslinging and insults.

Heather Hafer, Colorado Springs

Lamborn a poor choice to represent district

Rep. Doug Lamborn is running for re-election? Say it isn’t so. He has never returned my e-mails or correspondence addressed to his Washington D.C. office. A couple of weeks ago he went to a Republican luncheon and refused to participate in a forum with his opponents, but even worse, refused to answer any questions from his constituents.

Lamborn was at the Fremont County Republican Assembly long enough to give a boring, say-nothing speech and walked directly out the door when he was done. What great representation he is giving to the 5th Congressional folks. You can’t get an answer back when you write him and he either doesn’t want or have the time to talk to us.

Vote for Jeff Crank and let’s stop this now. Let’s elect someone who can be effective for our congressional district.

Teri Goodall, Colorado Springs

FRESH FACE
Sievers a great choice for Teller, Douglas counties

Teller County’s own Mark Sievers is running for the 45th State House District. It has been 78 years since the HD 45 representative was from Teller County. The district is comprised of a portion of Douglas County and all of Teller County.

On March 1, at the 45th House District Assembly, Sievers captured the top line for the August Republican primary. Sievers emphasized his strong Republican principles and his background. These make him the right choice to represent the citizens of Douglas and Teller counties, and the majority of the delegates agreed.

Sievers’ commitment to Republican principles of integrity and moral grounding, personal responsibility and liberty, free enterprise, limited government and rule of law are not just sound bites. These will be the guiding principles he will apply to the challenges facing Colorado.

He brings a wide base of business skills, strong community involvement through his volunteer activities, and a fresh perspective to representative government with vision, passion and experience. Simply stated, Mark Sievers is the right choice for positive change in Colorado and to help regain the Republican majority in our state Legislature.

Ken Kile, Florissant

LOGICAL CHOICE
Watts could bring balance to Republican ticket

 A number of blogs and publications are touting J.C. Watts, the former congressman from Oklahoma, as a wise and logical choice for John McCain’s running mate. In the present scheme of things, that might be a brilliant tactical and strategic move. Such an erudite and popular man of competence and color, who happens to be a true conservative, ought to rank very high on McCain’s short list of potential running mates.

The fall campaign will focus on “inspiration versus conviction.” Senator Barack Obama obviously has an inspiring message, well-versed and wonderfully presented, but lacking in durable substance. With Watts alongside, McCain’s campaign could counter much — if not all — of the Democrat candidate’s charming rhetoric and just might begin the long turn of the ship of state back on a course of dynamic conservatism in government.

Floyd Veatch, Colorado Springs