Never bring a briefcase to a knife fight, and never bring a knife to a gunfight.

In election years around here there is a traditional political gunfight sponsored by the Pike Peak Firearms Coalition. In the saber-rattling Republican Party, this is an event no serious candidate can afford to miss — a golden opportunity to demonstrate just how militant a candidate can be.

Thus on Thursday night, three incumbent GOP county commissioners and the three challengers who hope to unseat them stumped for guns galore and took target practice, promising a pistol in every pot. As everyone understands, the way to win a Republican primary in El Paso County is to get to the right of one’s opponent, and this can lead to entertaining, if not compelling, exchanges.

Auddie Cox, who is challenging District 4 Commissioner Dennis Hisey, said a local ordinance allowing someone to brandish a gun in self-defense should become a statewide law.

“Menacing is a right here in El Paso County,” Cox said.

Hisey, who told the audience that what’s he’s most proud of is that “my kids have guns,” also opined that “an armed society is a polite society.”

District 3 Commissioner Sallie Clark reminded the crowd that as a Colorado Springs City Council member she pushed for the right to carry guns in city parks and added, “We should be able to have concealed-carry on our school grounds.”

Clark’s opponent, Karen Magistrelli, acknowledged she has no experience with guns and repeatedly hugged a folded American flag and said, “our Second Amendment rights are under constant attack.”

Not to be outdone, District 2 challenger Phil McDonald is for eliminating concealed-carry permits, so anyone can a concealed handgun any time.

McDonald’s opponent, Commissioner Amy Lathen, quickly agreed: “Criminals carry concealed without a permit. Why should the rest of us be held to a different standard?”

Addressing the advisability of brandishing versus just shooting, Lathen said using a gun as a defensive threat is fine, but “you shoot to kill. You don’t shoot to wound.”

Well, how are you going to get to the right of that? And what is she going to do if she sees you?

It was useful information for PPFC members, who took a secret straw poll after the debate. The organization soon will make coveted endorsements.

Because the GOP county assembly is March 24, candidates don’t have much time to fire all their ammo. In a campaign season compressed by an early primary election date in June, events such as the one Thursday loom larger than usual.

All six candidates left no doubt they support gun rights. The election outcome will have to be determined by something else.

—

Listen to Barry Noreen on KRDO NewsRadio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM at 6:35 a.m. on Fridays and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.