In-depTh Info on raCe hopefuls

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 3, 2008

In Republican-dominated El Paso County, the primary election is often the only time voters have a voice.

Democrats have been making up some ground in recent years -- electing two state lawmakers -- and have candidates in all of the races except the contest for 4th Judicial District attorney.

But the GOP nomination can still be tantamount to getting elected and there are six party rumbles that Pikes Peak-region Republicans can vote on Aug. 12.

Today's Gazette voters guide provides a snapshot of candidates seeking the GOP nomination to run for Congress, the Legislature and district attorney, and their positions on such issues as the Iraq war and energy.

Metro 4-5

For a guide to what's online about the candidates, from their campaign Web sites to what political bloggers are saying about them, go to gazette.com. your guide to the year's elections Where to vote, how to do it early, and how to do it from home

THE PRIMARY ELECTION AUG. 12

The primary election is when political parties select nominees to run in the general

election, Nov. 4.

Only members of the major political parties may vote in a primary.

There are no Democratic Party nomination

contests in El Paso or Teller counties this

year, but registered Democrats can cast a

vote for the sole candidate in the race in the

primary if they wish. There are a handful of

contested Republican Party races.

The last day to register to vote in the primary was July 14.

Unaffiliated voters who want to vote in a

primary must change their registration to

Republican or Democrat in submitting an

application for a mail-in ballot, at an early voting site or on the day of the primary

when they vote.

For Democrats and Republicans, the last

day to change party affiliation for the primary election was July 14.

Voters should be prepared to show ID (usually a driver's license) at a polling place or an early voting site. Those who vote by mail have to provide a copy of an ID if they didn't meet the ID requirement when they registered to vote. The return envelope for mailin ballots indicates whether each voter must include a copy of an ID.

Election officials mailed information cards

in early July with the polling place for each

voter. Polling place locations are also available by calling the El Paso County Clerk and

Recorder at 575-8683.

On Election Day in Teller County, voters

may cast ballots at any of five voting centers:

Rampart Regional Library, 218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park

Summit Elementary School, 490 Meadow Park Drive, Divide

Florissant Public Library, 334 Circle Drive, Florissant

Centennial Building, 112 N. A St., Cripple Creek

Victor City Hall, 500 Victor Ave., Victor Teller County voters who use mail-in ballots may drop them ofi on primary day at

either of two locations:

Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1091 W. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek

Woodland Park Branch Office, 540 ManorCourt

All polling places and voting centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

EARLY VOTING In El Paso County, early voting continues Aug.

4- 8. It's at the following locations:

Downtown -- Centennial Hall, 200 S.

Cascade Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Citadel mall -- Suite 3124 on the upper level near JC Penney, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chapel Hills Mall -- Suite 179 on the lower level near the food court escalator, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Teller County, early voting is available Aug.

4- 8 at the following locations:

Centennial Building -- 112 N. A St., Cripple Creek, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rampart Regional Library -- 218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MAIL-IN BALLOTS

To request a mail-in ballot in El Paso County, find the application online at http://car. elpasoco.com/election or call 575- 8683.

In Teller County, visit www.co.teller.co.us/ Clerk and Recorder/voter.htm or call

689-2951 option 5.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot by mail is Aug. 5. The last day to request one inperson at an election ofice is Aug. 8.

POLITICAL CONTACTS

El Paso County Democratic Party, 473-8713, www.peakdems.org

El Paso County Republican Party, 578-0022,

www.gopelpaso.com

Teller County Democratic Party, www.tellerdems.org

Teller County Republican Party, 687-7429 U.S. CONGRESS

QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES

What is your position on the war in Iraq? Do you support withdrawal or a continued U.S. presence?

How would you address the country's energy needs, the rising price of oil and climate change?

What can be done to improve the economy?

DOUG LAMBORN

Age: 54

Education: B.S. journalism, University of Kansas, 1978

J.D. law, University of Kansas, 1986

National merit

scholar

Employment: Attorney in private practice

Military: None

Party: Republican

Political experience: 12 years in the Colorado House and Senate. Serving first term as U.S. congressman

for the 5th Congressional District

of Colorado.

Contact information: Lamborn for Congress, P.O. Box 64107, Colorado Springs, CO 80962. Phone: 238-9077; Web site: www.lambornforcongress.com

War: In Congress I have supported fighting the war in Iraq and

Afghanistan so these countries can build stable and democratic governments and defend themselves without us. I supported the