A kickoff party for Allison Hunter, Democratic candidate for El Paso County commissioner in District 2, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Springs Ranch Golf Club, 3525 Tutt Boulevard.Speakers will include Democratic candidate for Congress in the 5th District Retired Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, and El Paso County Chair Sen. John Morris.Hunter is taking on Amy Lathen, appointed to fill the unexpired term of Douglas Bruce in the district that covers the northeast portion of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains.

Me, too!Republican running in the 5th Congressional District Jeff Crank also wants Rep. Doug Lamborn to commit to some debates.The other candidate, Bentley Rayburn, issued a letter to Lamborn recently, urging him to set up some times and dates.Crank’s campaign manager Alan Philp said 46 days have passed since Crank first challenged Lamborn to debate.Lamborn’s campaign told The Gazette this week it is looking into making arrangements.

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Racers ride through a lap during the Sand Creek Mountain Biking Series at Bear Creek County Park in Colorado Springs, Colo., Wednesday, June 4, 2008. Photo by The Gazette, Christian Murdock