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Phone calls grate

Gay-scare messages attacking Dem are roundly condemned

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 26, 2006 at midnight

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Voters in a hotly contested Jefferson County Senate district are receiving blast Robo calls, claiming "the most radical homosexual and cross-dressing organization in the state" supports the Democratic candidate.

The calls attack Democrat Paula Noonan, and say she will "sell out to the liberal special interests."

Several voters have complained to the Rocky Mountain News about the calls.

The announcer in the automated call cites secretary of state campaign finance records, but doesn't mention any specific gay-rights group that is supposedly supporting Noonan.

She is supported by gay-rights activist Tim Gill, who has pumped millions into Democrat races.

Voters also are told that campaign records show Noonan is supported by the "abortion-on-demand" lobby.

That's apparently a reference to NARAL Pro Choice Colorado, which has donated to her campaign.

Noonan could not be reached for comment.

She faces Republican Mike Kopp, who says he has no idea who is behind the call.

Kopp said he's busy defending himself from attacks by Democratic political groups.

"I am fed up with others outside the campaign tearing down opponents," he said.

"If a candidate wants to do that on their own, at least people will know where the attack came from."

It's not known how many voters got the calls.

Buffalo Creek resident Mike Nastley was so upset when he heard the automated message that he complained to the Colorado Republican Party.

But the call is the work of a group called Colorado Citizens of the Rockies, which is not on record with the secretary of state.

"I just couldn't believe it," Nastley said.

"Whatever happened to winning on the issues?"

Nastley said he used to be a "Goldwater Republican" but switched parties in 2000 because, "I just couldn't take it any more."

Senate District 22 is heavily Republican, but pundits say Noonan has a shot because an ugly primary divided the GOP.

Kopp beat Sen. Kiki Traylor, R-Littleton, but she has refused to endorse him, saying his supporters lied about her record.

Kopp said his many Republican supporters include Gov. Bill Owens and Lt.Gov. Jane Norton.

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