Hal Bidlack, the Democratic candidate in the 5th Congressional District, is violating Defense Department rules by not identifying himself as a retired officer in some literature, a supporter of his opponent, Doug Lamborn, alleges.The rules state that candidates not on active duty “must clearly indicate their retired or Reserve status.”Some Bidlack signs, which can be seen on a video on his Web site at www.votehal.com, give his rank of lieutenant colonel without stating he’s retired.Christy Le Lait, Bidlack’s campaign spokesman, denied any violation.”The Web site has a disclaimer at the bottom that brings all of it into compliance,” she wrote in an e-mail. “The complainer is incorrect. I have discovered over the last several months that many people do not understand the DOD directive.”Bidlack’s disclaimer states: “The use of Bidlack’s military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense or the United States Air Force.”It’s the second time during this election cycle a candidate has been accused of violating the Pentagon’s rules.Mark Waller, a Republican running in state House District 15, was accused of violating the policy by being pictured in uniform and citing his Air Force career in campaign materials without the disclaimer it didn’t imply an endorsement by the Defense Department. When confronted with the possible violation, Waller changed his campaign materials.Brochure removedBrochures urging a “yes” vote on El Paso County’s ballot measure 1A, a sales tax increase, were pulled from the lobby of the Fountain Police Department Monday after a resident questioned whether it was proper.The Fountain resident contacted Douglas Bruce, anti-tax activist, who said, “I think it’s pretty bad for people who carry guns to distribute literature telling people how to vote.”Fountain Police Sgt. Jess Freeman said he didn’t know the brochures were in the lobby until asked about it by a reporter.”We didn’t place them here,” he said. “This is the first I’ve seen or heard of them. They won’t be in our lobby now that you’ve brought them to our attention.”The Fair Campaign Practices Act bars governments from spending taxpayer money to work for or against ballot measures or candidates, but it’s unclear if the brochure was a violation.

Victor Police Chief Chris Congemi walks the streets of Victor Thursday, October 2, 2008. Photo by (Mark Reis, The Gazette)