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Hefley: 'I do not endorse liberal Democrats'

M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 13, 2006 at midnight

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Retiring Rep. Joel Hefley issued an emphatic statement today trying to shoot down any chance of a "mistaken impression" that he is picking sides with Democrats in the race to elect his replacement.

Hefley, the dean of Colorado's congressional delegation, has refused to endorse Republican nominee Doug Lamborn, accusing him of running a "sleazy" campaign during a hard-fought GOP primary, when he narrowly edged Hefley's favorite candidate, Jeff Crank, and won in a crowded field.

The congressman's refusal to make any endorsement has been touted by supporters of Lamborn's Democratic rival, Jay Fawcett, including in recent newspaper ads that have appeared in the Colorado Springs area.

But Hefley thinks it has led to confusion, and he sought to set the record straight with a written statement.

"Many people seem to be under the mistaken impression that I am endorsing the Democrat in the race for Congress in the 5th District of Colorado. This is not the case," Hefley wrote. "I do not endorse Liberal Democrats and I regard Jay Fawcett as a Liberal Democrat. I also do not endorse people who I feel run sleazy, dishonest campaigns regardless of their political affiliation. Therefore, I am not endorsing anyone in the 5th Congressional race."

Hefley pointed out that he had endorsed many other Republicans who share his principles, including Bob Beauprez for Governor, John Suthers for Attorney General and Ed Jones for State Senate.

The statement comes just days after a Denver Post poll suggested the Lamborn-Fawcett race was a statistical dead heat, which analysts consider astounding because of the 100,000-voter registration advantage the GOP enjoys in the conservative district, which includes several military installations, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the headquarters for national Christian organizations, such as Focus on the Family.

If Republican candidates can't carry the Colorado Springs area by a wide margin, it is difficult for them to win state-wide. That's why some analysts have said Beauprez and others on the Republican ticket need to worry about intra-party fighting that could cause people to split their votes or simply stay home on election day.

"I encourage all Republicans to vote, and if there is a candidate you cannot support, leave it blank, but vote for the other Republicans in which you believe," he said.