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 Republican primary ballot has been set for more than a week, with Jeff Crank on the top line and Lamborn and Rayburn petitioning on to it.

Yahoo for Rayburn

Supporters of Rayburn plan a meet-and-greet fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Flying W Ranch’s Village Assembly Hall 3, 330 Chuckwagon Road. Dress is casual/western. Bring your wallet. The dinner buffet costs $30 per person or $55 per couple.

Presumably, that doesn’t include campaign donations that backers expect from those who show up.

Crank demands give-back

Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Lamborn’s seat, is demanding Lamborn return the campaign money he received from companies that will benefit from his congressional spending requests.

Crank called Lamborn a “shake down” artist, because five companies which would get $29 million of Lamborn’s spending requests have given him a combined total of nearly $10,000 in campaign money.

“Colorado voters deserve better,” Crank said in a release. “That’s why I’ve pledged to oppose earmarks. As congressman, I’ll introduce legislation to prohibit members of Congress from seeking earmarks for contributors or from taking campaign cash from the beneficiaries of earmarks.”

Meantime, Crank has set up a manufacturing and trade coalition, led by Tom Neppl, president of Springs Fabrication, Inc.

“We should support free trade in this country,” Crank said in a statement. “We should reward trading partners who negotiate in good faith and play by the rules. We cannot stand idly by when our trading partners use their government policy to punish American producers of goods and services in order to seek unfair advantage.”

Other members of Crank’s coalition:David Anderson, Director, Coalition for a Prosperous AmericaGene Ashe, President, Multi-Duti Manufacturing, Inc.Mike Callicrate, President, Ranch Foods Direct, Inc.Ron Eisele, President, Minco Manufacturing, Inc.Duane Jensen, President, Colorado Laser Marking, Inc.Joe Pentlicki, Director, Colorado Association of Manufacturing and TechnologyFrank Shannon, President, Finishes, Ltd.Forrest Titcomb, President, Kineo, Inc.

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