Political candidates in El Paso County are mostly a pro-life bunch, although quite a few candidates declined to weigh in on the abortion issue in a recent survey by Pikes Peak Citizens for Life.The anti-abortion advocacy group this month issued its “Voter’s Guide for El Paso County,” including candidate answers to questions on abortion-related questions. It’s available online at www.ppcitizensforlife.org. Lots of candidates didn’t respond to the questions, and in some cases, Pikes Peak Citizens for Life added its own commentary. For the one Republican candidate who favors abortion rights, the organization cited a quotation that appeared in The Gazette back in March.”Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m a pro-choice candidate,” said Catherine Roupe, who’s running against Sheila Hicks for the GOP nomination to represent House District 17. She was speaking at the El Paso County Republican Party Assembly.On some questions, the candidates offered their own commentary. Republican House District 18 candidate Katherine Szot answered “yes” to the question “Is the sanctity of human life a foundational principle, or is it one among many issues of equal importance?” Then Szot added: “If we kill one, what is to stop others? Who decides who dies? Only God.”The survey included all candidates for federal, state and county offices.He’s listeningColorado Springs Councilman Darryl Glenn will host a stop in his Listening Tour at noon Friday at Mountain Perks Coffee Shop, 5765 N. Academy Blvd. Glenn is running for re-election to the council in the April 2009 city election and will hold listening meetings every four to six weeks.From the graveBentley Rayburn’s campaign for the Republican nomination in the 5th Congressional District lists late Colorado Springs Mayor Bob Isaac among mayors supporting him.In a press release, the campaign also listed Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera and mayors from Buena Vista, Cripple Creek and Victor.”The support from the leaders who get things done in these communities demonstrates their trust in Rayburn’s leadership,” the press release said.Isaac, who served as mayor nearly 18 years, died May 2.Early bird ballotingEarly voting begins for the Aug. 12 primary election on Saturday, Aug. 2, and continues Aug. 4 to 8. There will be no early voting on Aug. 11.Early voting takes place at these locations in El Paso County: Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; The Citadel mall, Suite 3124 near JC Penney’s upper level, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Chapel Hills Mall, Suite 179 near the food court escalator, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Send items to pam.zubeck@gazettedev.gazette.com

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