After rumors floated for a week about its endorsement, the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce finally announced today that it has endorsed Rep. Doug Lamborn as the Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District.

The Board of Directors approved the recommendation by members of the Chamber’s Political Action Committee.

In a press release the Chamber said Lamborn earned the endorsement with his “strong voting record on business issues and legislation which encourages economic growth, job creation and a smaller federal government.”

Talk back to CrankJeff Crank, who’s challenging Lamborn for the GOP nomination, said his Web site devoted to getting feedback from voters is a success.

“This is the working part of government,” said Crank in a statement. “This technology allows voters to submit ideas, vote them up or down and offer suggestions. This should be available to the public for all elected officials.”

Crank started the forum for constituents to offer ideas about how to cut the size of the federal government by 20 percent in 10 years.

Among other ideas gaining support from constituents are ending “franked mail,” taxpayer funded communications from Congress members, the elimination of earmarks and ideas for support of a consumption-based tax as a replacement for the current tax system, which punishes savings, investment and productivity.

Instead of the expensive, one-way communication employed by the incumbent, the Web site allows the constituent a chance to talk back to the representative with full fervor and passion, Crank said in the release. It also costs far less than the $136,000 that was reported to be spent on “franked” mail by Doug Lamborn.  

To view issues you can go to jeffcrank.ideascale.com.

Signs and paradesBentley Rayburn’s campaign for the Republican nomination in the 5th reminds supporters to plant their signs in their yards. Pick them up at Rayburn’s headquarters, 8610 Explorer Drive, Suite 140.

Rayburn will appear in the Fourth of July parade in Monument, which begins at 9 a.m. He’ll also be on hand at 3 p.m. for the Salida parade.

Endorsements galoreDistrict Attorney John Newsome has been endorsed by El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa and Teller County Sheriff Kevin Dougherty.

He also is backed by district attorneys from across the state, including:  Ken Buck, 19th Judicial District; Scott Storey, First District; Peter Hautzinger, 21st District; Martin Beeson, Ninth District; Myrl Serra, Seventh District; Lee Hawke, Third District; Larry Abrahamson, Eighth District; Mark Hurlbert, Fifth District; Bonnie Roesink, 14th District, and Mary Lacy, 20th Judicial District. All are Republicans except Hawke and Lacy, who are Democrats.

For information on Newsome’s campaign, call 719-200-3055 or email to john@newsome4da.com

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Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS