On the stump

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 25, 2006

Read my lips

Sen. Doug Lamborn, Rrado Springs, this week became the second congressional candidate to sign Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

The pledge commits candidates to oppose income-tax rate increases and any reduction or elimination of tax deductions unless offset by further reducing tax rates.

Former Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Vice President Jeff Crank was the first candidate to sign the pledge this season. But Lamborn's campaign pointed out that he has inked the promise for the past 12 years as a legislator -- and has never supported a tax increase.

"This is something Doug has done for 13 straight years," campaign manager Jon Hotaling said. "Not only has he signed it, he has lived by it."

Armed for Crank

Retiring Rep. Joel Hefley is the third-ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, and Crank would like to succeed him in that position. Friday, Crank announced an endorsement that may further that goal.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, the California Republican who is chairman of the committee, has backed Crank. In doing so, he becomes the first out-of-state congressman to wade into the fiveman GOP 5th District race.

Lionel love

Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera's congressional campaign hasn't released any endorsements, but the crowd at his kickoff Thursday gave some indication of his support.

Vice Mayor Larry Small and Councilman Scott Hente spoke for the GOP candidate, and council members Jerry Heimlicher and Margaret Radford sported Rivera for Congress stickers. Council of Neighbors and Organizations President Jan Doran and Rivera's wife, Lynn, also introduced him.

Help for Hybl

Two officials endorsed Kyle Hybl, a candidate for the University of Colorado regent seat representing the 5th Congressional District. Those officials are El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa and 4th Judicial District Attorney John Newsome.

Hybl is running against Realtor Wynne Palermo for the GOP nomination to the open seat.

Holtzman to speak

Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman, the former University of Denver president, will speak Monday to the Cheyenne Mountain Republican Forum.

The event is scheduled for noon at the Penrose Club in the World Arena.

Holtzman, battling U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez for the party nomination, will focus on education, immigration and job creation in the talk, his campaign said.

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