One of the drawbacks to early voting is that the news media and even the campaigns themselves tend to operate on a more old fashioned timetable. Even though voting now starts via early polling sites and absentee ballots in early October in most states, the media and the campaigns still have a tendency to put out "October surprises" or shift directions in the final weeks of the campaign. In some cases, voting starts before the candidates have even held their last debate. Unfortunately, this means that in extreme cases there will be a sizable number of early voters who regret their choice by election day.

Colorado Republicans are very familiar with an example of this problem. As the results from the 2006 Republican primary in CD-5 rolled in on election night Jeff Crank took a decent lead over Doug Lamborn. Crank was ahead of Lamborn in every county including El Paso and every major media outlet in the state declared him the victor. Much to everyone's surprise, El Paso County entered all of the absentee ballots the other votes had been tallied. The electorate had turned so sharply on Lamborn in the final days of the election that Crank won the votes on election day and the final days of early voting. Lamborn's lead in the absentee votes cast weeks prior was enough to negate all of Crank's gains.

John McCain seems to be facing a similar situation to Jeff Crank. National polls show that the race is moving in McCain's direction and there is movement in state polls in swing states. The trouble for McCain is the effect of early voting on the race. Take this SurveyUSA finding in Ohio for example:

John McCain and Barack Obama are tied at 47% each in Ohio, among voters who have not yet cast a ballot, but who tell SurveyUSA they are certain to do so on or before election day. But, among those in Ohio who tell SurveyUSA they have already voted, Barack Obama leads by 13 points. When the two populations are combined, the data is as here reported: Obama 49%, McCain 45%.

Time Magazine has an article out today entitled "How Early Voting Could Cost McCain Florida":

But so far this year, early-voting Democrats are outnumbering Republicans at those sites by more than 20 percentage points, and a WSVN-Suffolk University poll has Barack Obama leading John McCain by a 60% to 40% margin among early voters. What's more, the number of early voters could approach 30% of all of Florida's 11.2 million registered voters by the actual November 4 election day.

Early voting has advantages and does provide a way to stagger high turnout elections. However, the Crank-Lamborn race and now McCain-Obama should cause us to ask the question of whether or not the race should be decided before the candidates are even done debating one another. Do we want undecided voters to wait until the candidates have finished making their cases and the media has finished releasing any information they have on them or should we encourage voting weeks in advance even if people might regret that vote by November?

GOP primary candiates across Colorado are making their final pitches to voters. Here are a few recent television ads:

Wil Armstrong (CD-6)

Mike Coffman (CD-6)

Jeff Crank (CD-5)

So I know it is no doubt that I support Jeff Crank for Congress. I really could care less about Bentley Rayburn but today I was at the campaign headquarters and stepped outside for a cigarette. To my absolute disbeleif I look over and some of Bently's people, including his campaign manager Mike Hess, decided to put up signs on our campaign office space property. What a waste of time. This simply shows that the Rayburn has no chance because if they where smart thay would contact voters. The best they can do is put up signs nad maybe a honk and wave. Please do not condone Bentley's classless behavior with your vote. Please vote Jeff Crank for congress.

Former Congressman Joel Hefley has just issued the following statement about the CD-5 primary:

To All Interested Parties:
 
During the final stages of the 2006 congressional race to succeed me, I made some strong statements in opposition to the tactics employed by now-Congressman Doug Lamborn.
 
I had hoped not to have to weigh in with such denunciations in 2008.  Yet recent events have led me to feel compelled to state my utter disgust for the campaign tactics employed by Congressman Lamborn yet again.
 
Any doubts I had about the merits of intervening in the 2008 race (beyond the endorsement ads I have done on Jeff Crank's behalf) were entirely erased this week when I learned that Tom DeLay had intervened on Doug Lamborn's behalf.
 
I cannot sit idly by while unhealthy outside forces attempt to meddle in the Fifth District's politics.  As a Congressman, I did battle with them in Washington.  From my perspective, they corrupted the soul of the Republican Party.  As a former Congressman concerned about the direction of the community, I will do battle once again to protect the integrity of this election.
 
Doug Lamborn has for some time been attacking Jeff Crank with a high volume of ads, claiming that he has "lied" about Doug Lamborn and that he has made hundreds of thousands of dollars "lobbying for earmarks."  Neither charge has any basis in truth.  Congressman Lamborn knows this.
 
Neither these tactics nor the intervention from the likes of Tom DeLay have any place in Colorado politics.  Both developments – Congressman Lamborn's ads and Tom DeLay's intervention – are borne of a say anything, do anything philosophy with regard to winning elections.
 
Well, call me old fashioned, but I do not believe the ends should justify the means.  I held to a higher standard as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee and I will do so in the campaign for the Fifth Congressional District.

Thank you.
Joel Hefley

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As the election continues to draw near a lot of people have been asking me why I support Jeff Crank for Congress. They say that Doug Lamborn has voted right and that he has done alright. I agree that he has done alright but Colorado's 5th Congressional district deserves better than alright. We are one of the most conservative congressional districts in America and we deserve Great not alright.

We deserve someone who will go to congress and fight for the conservative ideas that I and so many in the district was raised on, not just vote right on some issues. We deserve a congressman that will challenge the left every step of the way, someone that will stand up and tell Nancy Pelosi NO!

We deserve a congressman that understands that how you run your office is a reflection of you. Just because your budget allows it does not mean that it is right. You can't say you are a conservative and than spend the tax payers dollars so wildley because you think it is owed to you. Franked mail is not alright and Jeff Crank knows that.

We deserve a congressman that is willing to debate any challenger any place. We don't deserve the run-around that Doug Lamborn has been giving us on why he won't debate his opponents. There are differences Doug and you are afriad that the public will see these differences and you will lose this election.

Finally many have said that running against an incumbent in your own party is not good for the republican party, especially in a presidential election year. I say this is rediculous! The founding fathers made sure that government could be changed so that if the public is not happy they can try and change it. As far as I am concerned I am part of the public and I am not happy with congressman Lamborn. I encourage all republicans in the 5th to vote Jeff Crank for congress.

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Today El Paso County  Sheriff Terry Maketa Endorsed Jeff Crank for Colorado's 5th Congressional district. Here is a letter to the constituents of the 5th, from the Sheriff.

Dear Citizens of the 5^th Congressional District, 

I am pleased today to endorse Jeff Crank for Congress.    I endorse Jeff because I believe he is committed to bringing meaningful conservative change to Washington, and continues to provide specific ideas on the campaign trail.  I believe Jeff would represent the district well, re-unite the Republican Party, and be the most responsive candidate to the needs of our community and its constituents.  I am proud to join a list of fine law enforcement professionals who have endorsed Jeff Crank. 

I have never been one to recklessly offer my endorsement of candidates in contested elections.  During the last 5^th Congressional election I chose to stay neutral for several reasons; first being we had a few very good candidates and secondly a couple of those candidates were very good friends of mine.  As we enter another highly contested 5^th Congressional election, I am constantly asked whom I will be supporting.  I also believe that we need aggressive leadership in congress and I am becoming increasingly more concerned about the future of our country.  Congress as a whole seems so disconnected with its overall electorate.  Too often, I witness elected officials motivated purely to be someone or have a title, and I prefer to have a representative that is going to do something and put action behind their words.  In the last three years, we have all witnessed, our economy slide, jobs lost to foreign markets, fuel costs explode and goods associated with everyday living consume our discretionary income.  The American dream of home ownership for young couples is slipping out of reach.  I believe it is time for a change.

I have known Jeff Crank for 11 years both personally and professionally.  I can say with out hesitation he will be accessible to his district.  Jeff is the kind of person that will sit down, actively listen to your concerns, then look at the issue and take action!  Jeff has proven he is a common sense person, and will stand behind his promises.  He truly cares about this community and plans to take actions immediately for the future of this district and this Country.  Jeff will take the time to look at all aspects of difficult issues, and will listen to all points of view.  He talks about what he will do with specificity rather than talk about what he will not do!  That is a unique quality in this day and age.  He will not look at which direction the winds are drifting, he will do what is morally and legally right, even if it is unpopular.

I hope, as you cast your vote over the next couple of weeks, you will offer your vote and support to Jeff Crank.  It will be an important vote and one that will begin the process of forming a better Colorado for tomorrow.

Sincerely

Terry Maketa

Sheriff

El Paso County

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For Myself the choice is clear in regards to Colorado's 5th Congressional Race. The Choice is Jeff Crank. The other two Canidates would be fine conservative voters, but we need more than a voter, we need a Leader and Jeff Crank is that leader. Jeff Crank is the ONLY canidate that has proposed solutions to problems that face the voters of the 5th Congressional district.  Following will be a list of a few not all and links to see Jeff Crank's solutions to the problems. 

1. Earmarks- Crank is the only canidate that has said they will not use earmarks and will oppose any bill that has them included.-  http://www.jeffcrank.com/jeff-crank-to-dc-no-more-earmarks

2. Endless Government Programs- Crank said that no program should last forever, again the only canidate to say this.- http://www.jeffcrank.com/jeff-crank-calls-for-sunset-of-government-programs

3. Taxes- We all know they are too high and to confusing and Crank will fight to lower our burden- http://www.jeffcrank.com/jeff-crank-get-rid-of-tax-code

These are just three examples from a huge list. To find more Solutions, instead of empty rhetoric go to www.jeffcrank.com to learn more.

And don't forget to Vote fro Jeff Crank in the Aug. 12th Primary!

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Alan Philp, Jeff Crank campaign manager, issued the following statement today regarding a new attack ad airing from Doug Lamborn:

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – “Here he goes again.  Two years ago, Doug Lamborn and his allies employed false allegations against Jeff Crank in order to win election.  Today, Lamborn has released new ads that contain wholly false statements and accusations in a desperate attempt to rescue his collapsing campaign.

“If Doug Lamborn is going to level attacks against Jeff Crank – particularly baseless attacks such as these – he should at least have the decency to ‘man-up’ and face Jeff Crank in a debate.

“Here is the truth about Doug Lamborn on taxes and spending.  Doug Lamborn supported several tax hikes as a candidate for Kansas Legislature.¹  Doug Lamborn supports and exploits pork-barrel spending programs, known as ‘earmarks’.

Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District, today announced his plans for the first piece of legislation he will propose in Congress next year.

“This base closure process is a model mechanism for cutting government that makes good sense,” said Crank, referring to the process initiated by former Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX) to select military bases for closure.

Crank is proposing a similar process that would be one way to carry out his vision to cut federal spending by 20 percent in 10 years. “I’ve proposed common-sense solutions like putting an expiration date on every government program, abolishing the IRS and eliminating earmarks.  The base closure model could be utilized to develop specific plans for making significant cuts to government,” said Crank.   

As his first order of business in 2009, Crank says he’ll introduce legislation to utilize this process in Congress to offer Members a means by which they can help eliminate spending and inefficient government programs. This legislation will call for an independent review of government agencies and programs in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

Crank explained that similar to the base closure process, an independent non-partisan commission would be appointed by Congressional, Senate and Presidential leadership to review the list of programs to be pruned. After the commission submits proposed cuts to government, Congress can either accept or reject the entire package-but they cannon make changes to it.

“Congress has simply not shown the political will to make real cuts in the size of government,” said Crank. “We must take the politics out of the process by involving individuals who are not vested in various government programs. This will provide Congress with the opportunity to vote up or down on smaller government.”

“You have to be willing to think outside the box to create better leadership,” said Crank. “And you have to have the courage to take action on those ideas. This will be the first step I take towards my vision of changing Washington in January.

Rocky Mountain Right has obtained more information pertaining to the joint CD5 poll that was to determine whether Bentley Rayburn or Jeff Crank were to continue their campaigns for congress.

Despite the stipulation that polling commence on May 27th, Rayburn's campaign delayed signing the agreement until May 28th as can plainly be seen on the document which has now been made public. Polling started the next day (May 29th) and concluded on May 30th with 395 interviews conducted (some interviews in the May 30th column may have been later). The Rayburn campaign has contended that the CD5 Assembly gave Jeff Crank a "bump" in the polling that would have boosted Crank's numbers. Unfortunately for them, the day-by-day breakdown of the poll shows Jeff Crank's poll numbers unchanged from May 29th to May 30th indicating that no "bump" took place:

In fact, the small number of interviews conducted on May 31 and beyond that the Rayburn campaign is using as the main rationale to back out of the agreement actually favored Rayburn more than the bulk of interviews which were conducted the first two days.

The poll also conducted head-to-head matches against Lamborn which showed that Crank would outperform Rayburn by a whopping 22-points. Rayburn's campaign is instead choosing to ignore these results and point to a questionable internal poll they conducted nearly two months ago showing Rayburn performing marginally better.

The agreement both campaigns signed is now public and the results of the poll are conclusive: Jeff Crank was the victor of the poll and should be the only other candidate in the race alongside Rayburn. If Rayburn's campaign was foolish enough to believe they would have made a stronger showing, then that is their fault alone and not an excuse to back out of a promise to the voters of Colorado. Attempting to delay the start of polling and then distort the results to the public by claiming Crank enjoyed a "bump" is exactly the sort of unethical politics that are the problem in Congress.

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"I've never supported a single tax increase, and won't do so in Congress." That was Doug Lamborn in 2006 as he sought to fill the Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Joel Hefley.  The problem with that statement is that it is completely false.  From the Colorado Springs Gazette:

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."

Looks like you are a liar Lamborn.  In fact, that's a good name - Liar Lamborn.  Of course he fired back with a written statement - he's too scared to talk to a reporter right now.

"It remains true that I have never voted for, or supported a tax increase in my 13 1/2 years in public office."

Maybe that's true Dougy, but that's not what you said on your campaign materials.  Therefore, you were purposefully lying.  That's wrong and you know it. 

So here's a campaign song for Liar Lamborn.  Enjoy!

Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn recently signed a written agreement to conduct a joint poll of the CD5 primary, whoever was more than 4 points behind would drop out of the race to allow the stronger candidate a one-on-one contest against Doug Lamborn. The raw results of that poll have now been released:

    46% Lamborn
    26% Crank
    15% Rayburn

When weighted according to the formula specified in the written agreement signed by both parties (and viewable at PolitickerCO), Crank's over Rayburn lead increases to 17 points (for those keeping track, that's more than 4).

The Rayburn campaign's main complaints are that because a portion of the poll was conducted after the CD5 assembly and because extra calls were made that the poll is inaccurate and biased towards Crank. This morning's Colorado Statesman pokes holes in that claim:

    Mike Hesse, Rayburn’s campaign manager, objected to the changes in polling dates because voters may have been influenced by Crank’s media “bump” after the 5th Congressional District Assembly on May 29.

    Crank’s “bump,” however, was countered by the May 28 television and newspaper coverage of Rayburn and Lamborn turning in their petitions to get on the primary ballot.

    “It’s an inexperienced candidate who will give that argument of media attention,” said Hill, adding that it had no impact on the polling results. “These protestations are almost an absurdity.”

    “There were businessmen in this community who spent six weeks of their time trying to negotiate this agreement,” recalled Crank, adding that “no one questioned the validity of the poll except for Bentley Rayburn’s campaign.”

The poll is statistically valid, whether Rayburn's people want to admit it or not. There is no possibility of Rayburn winning a two-man race and surely not a three-man race. Finally, there is the small detail that Bentley Rayburn signed a piece of paper saying he would withdraw from the race if he was found to be more than 4 points behind Crank and later changed his mind. Rayburn was even approached by other polling outfits who have offered to conduct pro bono polls to put this issue to rest, Rayburn has indicated this is not an acceptable arrangement.

Had the polling in fact showed that Crank received some sort of massive boost from the CD5 assembly that pulled him outside of the margin-of-error then Rayburn would have been correct to question the results. However, it is now clear that Rayburn's lag in the polls in persistent and that his campaign may have delayed the commencement of polling until the last possible minute in an attempt to start exactly this sort of controversy.

Rocky Mountain Right believes that Bentley Rayburn is a man of his word, and therefore will no longer consider him a candidate for office at this time.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

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Congressional candidate Jeff Crank launches a television and radio ad called Courage and Conviction. This ad proves that Jeff will literally fight through fire to protect conservative principles. No...seriously. Watch the television ad.

The chicken-suit that seems to turn up every election cycle has made its obligatory appearance this year, this time in El Paso County protesting outside the office of Rep. Doug Lamborn who is refusing to debate either Jeff Crank or Bentley Rayburn despite a previous indication that he would.

You have to feel for the intern who got stuck with that job.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Colorado State Senator Andy McElhany and Representative Larry Liston today announced their endorsement of Jeff Crank in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional race.

“I am supporting Jeff Crank for Congress because Jeff epitomizes our Colorado values,” said Liston. “As a native Coloradan, Jeff knows and understands the people of our district. Jeff is an honest conservative and has consistently listened to the concerns of the people of this community. I know Jeff will always have his roots in our District and not in Washington,” concluded Liston.

“The elections this year will help to determine if we will take action to change politics,” said Crank. “I’m looking forward to working with Andy and Larry as they work to promote our local community and I’m honored they have the confidence in me to take on this task in the U.S. Congress.”

“Jeff Crank has worked very hard for this community and it shows in the relationships he has here,” said McElhany. “Integrity is an issue in this campaign and Jeff has shown over a lifetime of working in this community that he’s a man of integrity who upholds his word and his commitment.  He will represent us well in Washington and will always be a friend to this community.”

Senator McElhany and Representative Liston join a long list of local elected officials supporting Jeff Crank. The Crank Campaign has previously announced the endorsement of many law enforcement officials from around the district, El Paso County Commissioners Amy Lathen and Dennis Hisey, as well as Vice Mayor Larry Small and Colorado Springs City Council members Darryl Glenn and Tom Gallagher.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 5^th Congressional District, today gained the top line on the ballot for the August Primary Election. 

“We’re all here today because we still believe in something. We still believe in the Shining City on the Hill that Reagan envisioned. We still believe that America and the freedom of Her people should be an example to the world,” said Crank.

Crank took the opportunity with his acceptance speech to outline his vision for cutting the federal government by 20 percent in 10 years and making significant changes in Washington. “If you want someone who will just vote right and play it safe, I’m not your guy,” explained Crank.

Crank outlined various policies such as a balanced budget amendment, placing an expiration date on every government program, a line item veto and the termination of  some government programs to fulfill his vision. “We can and will eliminate the IRS and the complicated and expensive tax code it dictates.  We can eliminate the Department of Education, which does not educate a single child; the Department of Commerce, which does not create jobs; and the Department of Energy, which does not produce electricity or fuel,” said Crank.

Crank emphasized some common-sense solutions he’ll bring to Washington as well to shake up the system. “We need to teach Washington how to prioritize. They had time to recognize June of 2006 as National Spelunker’s month and August of 2007 as National Bourbon Heritage Month. Yet they didn’t balance the budget on or even come close to enacting a budget on a deadline,” said Crank.

With approximately 500 people showing to support the Republican Party and the assembly procedures, Crank said he is very pleased with the results of the assembly. “We committed to this process from day one and stuck with it because that’s what leaders do,” said Crank. “I’m pleased to be the candidate being rewarded with the top line on the ballot.”

###

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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 5^th Congressional District, in honor of Memorial Day calls on all supporters and Veterans to join him in celebrating this holiday with the community.

Please join Jeff at 11:00 a.m. on Monday May 26 for the Pikes Peak Veteran’s Council Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Park, E. Pikes Peak Ave. in Colorado Springs. Should poor weather be a factor, the event will be relocated to the Retired Enlisted Association at 834 Emory Circle.

For more information about the event, please call Amber at (720) 219-2023.

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From the Crank campaign:

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 5^th Congressional District, today called for a two-year freeze on non-defense discretionary spending, making him the only candidate in the race to provide specific, measurable commitments to shrinking the size of the federal government.

“This is not a cure-all, but it is a start,” said Crank. “We need measurable benchmarks that hold our feet to the fire. We need to challenge the way Congress does business and restore the accountability and trust in government with these straightforward solutions.”

Crank explained that between 2001-2005 when Republicans were in control of Congress and the White House, non-defense discretionary spending rose eight percent per year. “I’m frankly embarrassed at the growth of the federal government during Republican years.  Something has to change.  That’s why I’m making a simple commitment to smaller government and change in Washington.  We can save tens of billions of dollars just by making this freeze for two years,” he explained.

In addition to this proposal, Crank recently signed a pledge for a one year ban on earmarks and proposed a sunset cost-review system for federal programs.

To view this week’s campaign video regarding Jeff’s idea of sun setting government programs, visit: http://www.youtube.com/jeffcrankforcongress.

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From the Pueblo Chieftain:

PUEBLO NATIVE Jeff Crank came within a whisker of winning the Republican primary for the 5th Congressional District two years ago. The razor-thin victory in that multi-candidate race went to Doug Lamborn.

Now, though, we believe the people of the 5th District - and additionally all of Southeastern Colorado - would be best served if Mr. Crank were to become the new congressman. The 5th District encompasses El Paso, Fremont, Chaffee, Lake, Park and Teller counties.

Normally we do not endorse in primary races, but because the 5th District is so overwhelmingly Republican, this is the time to make that endorsement.

Mr. Crank has pledged to work collegially with Democratic 3rd District Congressman John Salazar despite their party differences. Mr. Crank says that issues vital to the two congressional districts should not be a matter for partisan fighting. We agree.

Among those issues is that of water. Mr. Crank fully supports protecting Fountain Creek against another disastrous flood such as that which heavily damaged portions of Pueblo in 1965. We’ve heard no such assurance from the incumbent. Mr. Crank does support the Army’s proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, but he is firmly opposed to the use of eminent domain by the federal government to achieve that expansion. We give him credit for that stance.

One other Republican is currently seeking the GOP nomination for the 5th District, retired Gen. Bentley Rayburn. Gen. Rayburn is a fine and honorable gentleman. His candidacy, though, could be that of a spoiler for Mr. Crank.

Thus, we would not be disappointed if he were to withdraw and throw his support to Mr. Crank.

We heartily endorse Jeff Crank for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District. We hope Republicans in the district agree.