Right-to-work measure endorsedThe Right-to-Work initiative picked up some more prominent backers this week.The Northern Colorado Home Builders, Independent Bankers and Colorado Petroleum Marketers Association all endorsed Amendment 47. The measure, if passed in November, would bar union shops in private businesses, essentially allowing workers to opt out of union membership even if the workplace had voted to be unionized.The new supporters touted the amendment as being good for business, arguing that 22 states with right-to-work laws show better job growth and economic performance.Opponents of the measure have filed a lawsuit to keep it off the ballot, alleging that backers used fraud and deception in gathering petition signatures.Local linksThe national free-market grass-roots group Americans for Prosperity has launched a new chapter in Colorado, and it has its share of El Paso County connections.Jim Pfaff, former president of the Colorado Family Institute, is the state director for the organization, which also has chapters in 21 other states. And state Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, spoke at a recent news conference celebrating the launch.AFP’s goal is to mobilize voters on economic-policy issues that advocate limited government and fiscal restraint, according to its Web site.Crank nabs Park County nodJeff Crank, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District, has been endorsed by Park County elected officials, including Assessor Dave Wissel and Coroner Sharon Morris.”I support Jeff Crank because he is interested in the rural counties,” said Morris. “He spent a lot of his campaign time in rural counties and he genuinely cares about rural issues.”Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener already endorsed Crank.On the air and needing moneyBentley Rayburn’s campaign in the 5th District introduced a new television ad, which notes his Air Force career and explains the necessity for representatives with military experience. New radio ads will begin airing this week also. Check out the ads at www.RayburnforCongress.org.Rayburn also again solicited money in a message to supporters saying, “We must have your support. To put it bluntly, we need these ads and more like them to win in August.”Submit items to pam.zubeck@gazettedev.gazette.com

Local produce abounds at area farmer’s markets Photo by