( - Promoted by Hestons Ghost - )

The other day a friend of mine was joking that come March, she was going to struggle with only a three-day weekend, instead of the monthly four-day weekends she’s been enjoying thus far. She’s a Colorado state employee whose mandated furlough days have been falling once a month coupled with holidays. For instance, she had the Friday before the MLK Day holiday off and will have the Friday before the President’s Day weekend off.

Most Americans will understand if parks are closed for a day, if the IRS doesn’t answer phone calls for a day, if Congressional staffers don’t send news releases for a day or if the federal courts are closed for a day. It’s called sacrifice and it’s sorely needed. Could you imagine the savings created by dropping the 2% pay increase and furloughing the more than 2.7 million civilian workers? Colorado’s furloughs save the state tens of millions of dollars. Imagine what the federal government could save?

Early movement is beginning in the CD-5 primary.

No, we're not going to re-run the 2006 primary for a third time in 2010.

A number of Colorado Springs politicos expect Rep. Doug Lamborn to retire in 2012, opening the seat up for another multiple-way primary that year. Potential candidates eyeing the seat are already putting out feelers in anticipation of a fierce primary three years from now.

As for Lamborn? If he does decide to step aside, he would find himself with an abundance of free time just in time for the 2014 gubernatorial race and Mark Udall's re-election race.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Denver Post reports:

As the Associated Press Reports: Federal prosecutors are investigating PMA Group’s founder and president, Paul Magliochetti, who is a former top aide to Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds defense programs.

Magliochetti is being investigated amid allegations that he funneled money through donors who are listed in campaign documents as PMA Group employees but are not tied to the company. His lobbying firm is in the process of disbanding and plans to close its doors at the end of next month.

Congressional Quarterly includes former-Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs (and elected to the Senate last fall), and Reps. Ed Perlmutter, D-Golden, and Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, on the list of those who secured earmarks -- either individually or with others --and also received campaign contributions from the PMA group's political action committee or its employees.

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?

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

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

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.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right-)

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

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

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!

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

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.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

"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!

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

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.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Doug Lamborn was apparently lying when he claimed he would debate once "the ballot was set."

Lamborn is refusing a request from the Rayburn campaign to debate even though they previously indicated that they would at this point:

Rep. Doug Lamborn apparently has changed his mind about debating his Republican opponents in the 5th Congressional District race.

Robin Corin, Lamborn campaign manager, said in a letter to challenger Bentley Rayburn that "the Lamborn campaign is not currently scheduling campaign debates or forums. We will be happy to make sure you are contacted if and when such events are planned."
Rayburn's campaign manager Mike Hesse was miffed.

"Our country's foundation is based on the free exchange of ideas," he said in a statement. "It is unfortunate that Congressman Lamborn refuses to participate in any free public discussion of the issues."

Corin's letter also contained this statement: "The reason we did not respond to your February letter is because you delivered it to Congressman Lamborn's Congressional office, where it is a violation of federal law to work on campaign matters."

In February, when his opponents challenged Lamborn to debate, his then-press secretary and campaign spokeswoman Kristen Hainen said, "The congressman is more than willing to debate the issues once the ballot is set."

The irony of all this is that Lamborn's initial snub about the "ballot being set" was intended to imply that Crank and Rayburn were so far below Lamborn's status as an incumbent that one or both might not have made the ballot. This clearly backfired when Crank was so strong in the assemblies that Lamborn had to withdraw and when Rayburn submitted more valid petition signatures. It seems that Lamborn was the one who had to worry the most about even getting on the ballot.

In a surprising development, incumbent Congressman Doug Lamborn has been forced to petition onto the ballot for the 5th Congressional District. This is an almost unheard development for an incumbent Congressman and the fact that Lamborn's campaign delayed this announcement until now would seem to suggest that recent polling of assembly delegates show Lamborn below or precariously close to the 30% threshold needed to qualify for the ballot.

Lamborn's statement to supporters is below:

Dear friends and supporters,

    I have long been a strong supporter of the delegate and assembly process in Colorado.  Besides voting to protect it in the Colorado legislature, I relied on it myself in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, and 2006.  In the first four cases I received top line on the ballot and in the last was a close second.  In all cases I was the winner in the following election.

     In this election I have decided to utilize the alternate approach to be placed on the ballot.  The quality required for the important process of electing a Congressman to represent us in Washington, D.C. has been lacking, primarily in El Paso County, this most populated county, in the Fifth Congressional District.

    I am not placing blame or casting aspersions on anyone's motives.  In fact, some of the problems arose from the positive fact that six times the normal amount of Republicans showed up for the caucuses in February.  This overwhelmed the ability of the county party to adequately monitor and track delegate information, our own count showed me leading with those delegates we have been able to contact.

    Nevertheless, I have lost confidence that the various problems can be satisfactorily resolved by the date of the assembly and that the process in place is of the quality required for a Congressional election.  Many of my supporters have expressed this same concern.  While I am very willing to discuss these issues with those in responsibility so as to make improvements over the long term, I do not believe it would be constructive to air these concerns in the media.

    My decision to petition unto the ballot is strengthened by another unrelated fact.  House leadership has given no time in our schedule for all of April or May to be working in the District during the week, except for Memorial Day week.  This voting schedule in Washington makes it difficult to give the more than 600 delegates, plus an equal number of alternates, the personal time each deserves.  Mailings and phone calls are helpful, but the one-on-one meetings that are the best, and that 1,200 delegates and alternates should have, are not easy to arrange during the remaining weekends.

    Anyone with questions or concerns is welcome as always to contact me or my campaign.  I look forward to using the delegate and assembly process in the future after this unique election is over.  I also look forward to continuing to represent the people of the Fifth Congressional District with conservative leadership and Republican values.  Thank you.

Yours truly,
Congressman Doug Lamborn

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Doug Lamborn still hides away from the public, refusing to debate so he doesn't have to answer for things like his out-of-control franking expenses. At least one of his rivals is calling Lamborn out:

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, today called on Doug Lamborn to join him in committing to a series of debates, so voters get a chance to hear from both of the candidates prior to the 5th Congressional District Assembly.

“The voters of our district deserve an opportunity to hear the differences between Doug and myself,” said Crank. “We stand ready to work with Congressman Lamborn to set a schedule of pre-assembly debates.”

Alan Philp, Crank’s campaign manager, noted that in neighboring Congressional District six -- where there is also multiple Republican candidates -- debates have already begun. “District six has had several debates already – three in the past week -- and have a third on Monday,” said Philp.  “The voters of Congressional District five deserve the same opportunity.

It's time for Lamborn to answer to his constituents for once.

Fundraising totals for Q1 2008 are starting to trickle in from candidates around the state. Here are the announced totals for Colorado's Fifth Congressional District so far:

Jeff Crank:  $84,403
Doug Lamborn:  $76,319
Bentley Rayburn:  $54,150

This post will be updated as soon as Rep. Doug Lamborn releases his numbers.

Update (4/15/08 - 10:23PM): Doug Lamborn is reporting $76,319 raised in the first quarter of 2008. This places Jeff Crank at the head of the field.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Doug Lamborn is burning through taxpayer money at a startling rate in a desparate bid to fend off a strong primary challenge. For someone who claims to be a "fiscal conservative," this behavior is sickening. When called out about his outrageous "franking" expenses (sending campaign mail at taxpayer expense) he called off an interview with the Gazette, Lamborn clearly thinks he doesn't have to answer for his actions:

Rep. Douglas Lamborn, fighting for a second term, spent the most of any Colorado member of the U.S. House on taxpayer-paid constituent mailings last year.

A Republican who touts fiscal restraint, Lamborn spent $135,606 - roughly $40,000 less than the other six members combined.

Both of Lamborn's challengers for the GOP nomination in the 5th Congressional District called his mail bill excessive and hypocritical.

Lamborn canceled an interview with The Gazette on Monday, issuing a statement instead.

"Congressman Lamborn considers communication to be extremely valuable and makes it the highest priority," said press secretary Kristen Hainen's prepared statement.

Let's take a look at how "fiscal conservative" Doug Lamborn compares to some of the other members of Colorado's delegation:

• Doug Lamborn (R) $135,606
• Ed Perlmutter (D) $68,483
• John Salazar (D) $53,066
• Mark Udall (D) $26,105
• Tom Tancredo (R) $6,701

It is clear that Doug Lamborn is abusing his congressional franking to compensate for sub-par fundraising. It's hard to call this anything but a massive slap in the face to tax-payers.

As an update to Monday's post, it now appears that Mike Coffman is planning to circulate petitions to qualify for the primary ballot. Rep. Doug Lamborn will not be initially circulating petitions and is rumored to be under pressure from the national Republican Party not to do so at any point in the campaign.