As of today, there are still no major party challengers to Rep. Diana DeGette or Rep. Doug Lamborn. While these races are obviously lost causes for the party out of power, both parties should realize that failing to make any sort of showing in rival strongholds will erode their statewide candidates. Federal candidates will be at the top of the ballot and it could be fatal to McInnis or Hickenlooper in a close race if their party has no one running for these congressional offices. Republicans can't afford further erosion in Denver County and the Democrats should realize that holding down Republican numbers as much as possible outside of Denver is key to their victory.

More troubling, voters deserve the chance to have a choice in these races. Even if there is no chance of defeating Diana DeGette, Republican voters in the district should be able to cast a ballot to make their voices heard and, yes, Democrats living in Colorado Springs should be afforded the opportunity.

Step forward, folks. There are three Republican candidates lined up to run against Jared Polis and there was a brief but spirited debate over the Democratic nomination in CD-6. Someone can run in CD-1 and CD-5.

( - promoted by Rocky Mountain Right - )

Rumors are starting to circulate that Bentley Rayburn is poised to again run for CD-5. Now at this point, they are still rumors; but I have little doubt that Rayburn is capable of such a move. 

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.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

The U.S. House of Representatives finally released the text of the health care bill called ··America·s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009·· HR 3200 and it can now be read in its 1,018 page entirety. The bill's subtitle is " A Bill to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. All the bill's language was written to further this cause, i.e, to provide healthcare to everyone and to reduce the growth in spending. You can link to a pdf of the health care bill here.

Since the bill's public release, a lot of people have gotten fired up in support and in opposition to it. Each side has called the other liars, and worse. One part of the bill in particular has touched a nerve. That is Section 1233, ADVANCE CARE PLANNING CONSULTATION.

Although the section is only ten pages long, it is still hard to digest. Below is a condensed version of this Section with cites to page number and line number. In Section 1233, the person being consulted is an individual over 65 in the medicare program. The Consultant is called a "practitioner".

p. 428, l. 14-19 - A 'practitioner" is a physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. The practitioner is the one who consults on Advanced Care Planning with the individual. There is nothing in the health care bill that states the consultation is voluntary.

p. 425, l. 17-21 - The practitioner first gives an explanation of and counsels on advance directives, living wills, durable powers of attorney and health care proxies.

p. 426, l. 4-8 - The practitioner then explains and counsels end-of-life services, palliative care where they ease pain without curing the underlying disease, hospice programs for meeting the physical needs of the terminally ill and the benefits for such services. The practitioner does not have to explain any drawbacks of these end-of-life services such as death itself.

P. 426, l. 9-16 - The practitioner finally explains the Order Regarding Life Sustaining Treatment and why it is beneficial to the individual and the individual's family. The practitioner does not have to explain any drawbacks of this Order such as death itself.

After the consultation is over, the individual is not involved with any further parts of the Advance Care Planning Consultation. In no part of the process is the individual required to sign anything or execute any planning documents.

p. 427, l. 10-25 - Having a consultation in and of itself, allows the practitioner to formulate an Order Regarding Life Sustaining Treatment without any further input from the individual. The Order just needs to be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant to be in full force and effect. The Order is an actionable medical order designed to stay with the individual and to be followed by health care professionals for the remainder of the individual's care.

p. 430, l. 1-4 The only input from the individual for the formulation of the Order is that it communicate the individual's preferences regarding treatment. Since the individual doesn't have to sign anything or affirmatively state anything during the consultation, it is up to the practitioner to presume and interpret the individual's preferences.

p. 430, l. 13-24 The Order has the power to limit medical interventions, limit the use of antibiotics, limit nutrition and limit hydration. The Order can address whether an individual goes to the hospital or remains at a hospice or other nursing home.

So where does the language in the Order come from?

p. 428, l. 5-13 The Order is guided by a coalition of stakeholders including state hospice associations, home health association, etc. This is the section that has been decried as a "Death Panel" by Gov. Palin and others.

Since this house bill is written to reduce the growth of health care spending and people over 65 consume health care dollars at the end-of-life, it is pretty easy to see why Section 1233 was inserted into the health care bill.

Older Americans are not stupid. They can read and they can comprehend this health bill. No wonder so many older Americans are turning out in droves at town hall meetings. You would be angry too if the federal government was trying to kill you off.

If you want to vent, below are the phone numbers for our congress members and senators. Give them a buzz.

Dianna Degette - CD1 - 202-225-4431

Jared Polis - CD2 - 202-225-2161

John Salazar - CD3 - 202-225-4761

Betsy Markey - CD4 - 202-225-4676

Doug Lamborn - CD5- 202-225-4422

Mike Coffman - CD6 - 202-226-4623

Ed Perlmutter - CD7 - 202-225-2645

Mark Udall - Senate - 202-224-5941

Mike Bennett - Senate - 202-224-5852

Mike Robinson is Senior Partner at Robinson & Henry P.C., a Castle Rock, CO law firm.

You can get PPP to do polling in Colorado at by voting Colorado at http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/

We are only a few votes down from Arizona, let's get some match-up info for 2010. We need to update from Bill Owens and John Elway

Ryan Frazier and Cleve Tidwell, both candidates for US Senate, are trying real hard to pull a victory in this straw poll. Tidwell had been leading for days when at the last minute Frazier got out the word on facebook and as taken a lead. Over 1150 people have voted. Ken Buck has little support and Bob Beauprez has virtually none.

Update: Tidwell wins with 47% to Frazier's 45%. Ken Buck recieved 6% and Beauprez managed to win 1%.

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Ever stood in line at Target next to that mom who threatens and threatens her bratty little 2-year-old while the kid screams and screams?

Congress has apparently taken the same stance in dealing with the Wall Street mess - only this time it's taxpayers who will be forced to foot the bill or listen to the screaming. Republicans have a chance to demonstrate some tough love with their Wall Street counterparts and tell them to "suck it up."

I, for one, am tired of paying for other people's mistakes and bad gambling habbits. This isn't rocket science - either you have the money and can afford a home or you don't. If a lender decides to take a chance on bad debt, why are taxpayers left making the banking industry whole? You take your loss, 'cause that's how we do it in the NBA.

Most Americans couldn't tell you what is going on in Congress let alone Wall Street - all they know is that things cost more now than they did a year ago.

Most national business groups have thrown their lot in with the Democrats.  Don't believe me? If Republicans are smart, they'll simply thumb their nose at Wall Street and stand up against this sort of government takeover. But I'm guessing that most of them haven't the fortitude it will take to let a few bad companies (and investors) die to preserve the rest of the herd.

History has shown us that 'inevitable' and 'emergency'  legislation like the Patriot Act or Sarbanes-Oxley is never more popular than on the day it is passed -- and this issue isn't all that popular to begin with.

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

In response to Jeff Crank's push poll that attacks Rayburn or Lamborn depending on indicated preference, Bentley Rayburn issued the following call to thousands of Republican voters tonight:

ARE YOU DISGUSTED WITH NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING?  I SURE AM.  I’M BENTLEY RAYBURN, CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS.  I’D LIKE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT CONCERNING THE MISLEADING INFORMATION PUT OUT ABOUT ME AND MY FAMILY.  SOME WOULD LIKE TO PENALIZE ME FOR NOT LIVING IN COLORADO WHILE I SERVED YOU AND OUR COUNTRY IN THE MILITARY.  IN THOSE 31 YEARS WE MOVED ALL OVER THE WORLD, BUT ALWAYS CAME HOME TO COLORADO .  MY WIFE AND I HAVE DEEP COLORADO ROOTS.  OUR TWINS WERE BORN HERE.  WE ARE COLORADO RESIDENTS.  OUR CAMPAIGN IS FOCUSED ON WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER.  WITH YOUR VOTE WE CAN BE A STRONG, POSITIVE VOICE FOR COLORADO AND PROVIDE THE PROVEN, EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP OUR COUNTRY NEEDS.  VISIT RAYBURNFORCONGRESS.ORG. 

(- 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 Obama proposed tapping the nation's oil reserves, which are strategically reserved for military purposes and risky to bring into the consumer market, in order to bring down prices.

You may recall that last week Obama was not quite so "economically inclined," as he recommended we all check the air in our tires, which would no doubt save at least the billions upon billions of barrels we are not allowed to drill. At least that much, he said. 

But now, increasing supply to lower prices works as a fundamental economic law? Is this guy nuts, or is it his specific plan to reverse all of his policies?

A note about Obama's statements concerning Congressional approval to allow offshore drilling (he says it won't help prices in the short run):  Most of the gas prices we see today are a result of future oil prices. That is, the futures market, which is the most volatile part of the energy market, determines prices at the pumps. If, for some reason - say, Congressional approval to drill in the future - futures prices went down, then conceivably pump prices would also go down. We can lower oil prices now. Some of us just don't want to. And they're running for President...

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Yet again, the differences between the major candidates in the CD5 Republican race are made clear.

Doug Lamborn was a decent enough state congressman and senator, but he should never have been elected to represent the 5th in Washington: Given the conservative propensities of that district, he should easily have been able to stay ultra-conservative and simultaneously keep his job. The very fact that he is being seriously challenged suggests otherwise...

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

In a letter delivered to Senator Ken Salazar's Colorado Springs office Bentley Rayburn responded to  Salazar's Pinon Canyon position.  Where is Doug Lamborn?  He claims to have brought a Brigade to Fort Carson yet he is completely missing from this fight.  The contents of the letter follow... 

Dear Senator Salazar,

Over the past year I have had the opportunity to speak with you on a few occasions about the proposed Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site expansion.  I read with great interest a story in the Colorado Springs Gazette on Saturday, 26 Jul 08, (“Salazar sticks to opposing Piñon Canyon Expansion) outlining your opposition to further expansion of the training site.  I know this is a passionate issue for both interested parties, the ranchers in southern Colorado and the United States Army.  I’m well aware that the Army has made their own share of mistakes, but I also know that it is this is too important to the military training of our Fort Carson troops and the economic viability of southern Colorado for this issue to remain in limbo. 

I agree with your comments that there needs to be a new relationship between the Army and the fine folks who live in southern Colorado.  But the only way that is going to occur is to engage in conversation and develop a vision of what the range could be in providing real 21^st Century training for U.S. forces.  With Headquarters Space Command located in Colorado Springs, and a strong effort to bring the new Cyber Command headquarters to our state as well, we have an outstanding opportunity to create the finest training range in the world with a combined space, near-space and cyberspace tied into a world class fully-instrumented maneuver space.  This vision will be the foundation of the economic development possibilities the range will bring to the communities of southern Colorado.

(- 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

Today, former Colorado State Senator Ken Chlouber endorsed Bentley Rayburn for US Congress.  Chlouber, an Army veteran and entrepreneur served in the Colorado legislature for sixteen years and ran for the United States House and Senate.  Chlouber’s endorsement further adds to the diverse spectrum of Republican perspectives that make up Rayburn’s support base and places Rayburn in a unique position to unite the Party after the primary.

Chlouber stated, “I am supporting Bentley Rayburn because we need more veterans in Congress who understand the issues facing our nation.”  He continued, “We need a Congressman who will work to represent the entire district including the western counties.  I know that Bentley’s leadership experience will benefit us all in Washington.”

Rayburn said, “I am honored that Ken has endorsed my candidacy.  He is a strong leader in Colorado and in the Lake County region.  Ken’s endorsement gives us yet another Republican political perspective. We truly have support from all aspects of the Republican Party and continue to build towards Party unity. ”

(- promoted by Rocky Mountain Right -)

Mary Harold issued the following statement in support of Bentley Rayburn's candidacy.  Known to many as "Mother Mary," she is the leading conservative activist in the Fifth District.  

"I have given much thought to the 5th Congressional race and what the qualifications are that would best and most professionally meet the requirements of that office.  All three candidates are good men and each would bring his own special experience to the job.  However, due to where the country finds itself this election-at war, with many foreign policy challenges-I believe the person whose background has best prepared him to become our next U.S. Representative is General Bentley Rayburn. His 31 years as a military officer have given him the experience and judgment to see and understand more fully America's role in the world and to make difficult decisions.  Therefore, I am supporting General Rayburn as the 5th Congressional Representative."

Mother Mary's endorsement further diversifies the base of support that Bentley has received from within the Republican Party. Rayburn's supporters represent all parts of Reagan's three-legged stool and include Republicans ranging from Scott McInnis, Mary Ellen McNalley, Will Perkins and Mother Mary.  The diversity of Rayburn's campaign is unmatched by his opponents.

(- 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!