RACE TO DEBATE

Campaigns in the 5th Congressional District started gearing up for the general election on Wednesday, a day after Tuesday’s primary election, by calling for a debate.Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn, who refused to debate his two primary opponents, challenged Democrat retired Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack to a debate in a news release issued Wednesday, saying he first called for a debate last week.Bidlack, in turn, said in an interview on Tuesday night he talked with Lamborn several weeks ago and suggested seven debates, one in each of the outlying counties and two in El Paso County.Bidlack also said he had a cordial conversation with Lamborn in the last 24 hours in which both pledged to focus on the issues and steer clear of personal attacks.Lamborn said in his release: “The voters in the 5th Congressional District know where I stand on the issues. I am a proven conservative. What they don’t know is where my Democrat opponent is on the issues. That is why I have repeatedly called on him to debate. It’s important for the voters to hear from both sides and determine who best represents their values.”Lamborn’s release noted, “Any debate would be subject to agreeable ground rules.”Bidlack said he’s “delighted” to debate Lamborn.”That’s the whole point,” he said. “There are no bad men running. Two good men are running who disagree on the direction the country should go.”Bidlack will stage a news conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at his campaign headquarters, 724 S. Cascade Ave., to propose seven debates.”These debates are an opportunity to get away from the typical Washington-style politics, so that my opponent and I can discuss the real issues facing our district and our country,” Bidlack said in a release. “The constituents of CD5 want a choice this year and they want an open, honest discussion about the problems facing us: renewable energy, the economy, and taking care of our veterans.”

A TIME TO HEAL

El Paso County Republicans plan a Unity Rally from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 at Flying W Ranch. For information, http://www.gopelpaso.com/unityAll Republicans are invited, free of charge.In a release, the party leadership said, “After such hard fought battles it is imperative that all Republicans come together and, with a spirit of unity, set aside differences and work hard for John McCain and Bob Schaffer in the general election.”Saying “civilization in America as we know it hangs in the balance,” county party chair Greg Garcia urged Republicans to stay involved and defeat Democrats.

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