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Debate for 5th District GOP nomination gives off heat

By Pam Zubek, The Gazette

Published July 10, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Nearly 200 people showed up Wednesday night to see two of three Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District square off in what was billed as the only formal debate before the Aug. 12 primary election.

But only a handful hadn't already made up their minds. Most who packed into a hot and stuffy Centennial Hall in downtown Colorado Springs wore Jeff Crank or Bentley Rayburn T-shirts or stickers, or carried signs.

Incumbent Doug Lamborn, who defeated Crank and Rayburn two years ago, didn't show, telling the debate organizer, the Lincoln Club of Colorado, he had important votes to cast in Washington.

One of the fence-sitters was Michael Fansler, who said he's not impressed with Lamborn's performance.

But after the 90-minute debate - laced with cheers, boos, a few heckles and standing ovations - Fansler was still undecided.

"I'll have to do some more research," he said.

Gail Farrar, another undecided voter, said the $7 admission was worth it because she learned a thing or two about the candidates.

But she voiced what political observers have been saying for months. "You know," she said, "they're pretty much the same."

The debate indeed failed to reveal evidence of distinct differences between the two challengers.

Crank, a Colorado Springs businessman, and Rayburn, a retired Air Force officer, agree that the federal government needs to be scaled back, that the nation needs to get tough on immigration, that the United States should stay in Iraq for the long haul and that a congressman needs to visit the district often, not settle into the comforts of the Beltway.

Both even said they have the same hero: Jesus Christ.

The most heated moment came during a bitter exchange over a poll done in late May that the two agreed would determine who stayed in the race to face Lamborn and who would bow out.

The poll indicated Crank is the stronger challenger, but Rayburn refused to throw in the towel, calling the poll flawed.

Crank said he agreed to the deal, noting he felt he would win despite the outcome.

That's because, he said, if he stayed in the race, he would face Lamborn one on one.

If he was forced out, he would leave with his character intact.

"I would have gotten out of the race doing what I know I should do," he said.

Jaw clenched, Rayburn responded, "It's very difficult for me to have my integrity questioned."

He was greeted with boos when he noted the Housing and Building Association, which brokered the deal between the two candidates, called the poll invalid due to irregularities in polling methods.

Rayburn said he was "dumbfounded" that the Crank campaign wasn't troubled by the irregularities.

But Crank countered that, had the roles been reversed, two things would have occurred. "First, there would be an expectation I would get out of the race," he said, "and second, I would."

Comments

  • July 10, 2008

    8:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Visatergo writes:

    Want to thank both Bentely Rayburn and Jeff Crank for participating in last nights debate. Congressman Lamborn was conspicuous by his absences.

    General Rayburn clearly won the debate with his well articulated answers to "all" the questions. His answers were informative and highlighted his outstanding knowledge of the issues facing the Country, the State, and the District. Also, his answers gave us all a "peek" into the tremendous leadership abilities General Rayburn possesses and so clearly required for the 5th Congressional Seat.

    In addition to Crank "drifting" from directly answering the questions asked, the only "stain" on this debate was Crank's outright questioning of General Rayburn's integrity. Crank's misguided accusations seriously brought into question whether he is ready or responsible enough to hold the peoples trust in Washington, in Colorado, or within the 5th Congressional District. If Crank continues to recklessly question the integrity of others he will soon discover he won't be able to be effective at anything he does.

    Well Done General Rayburn! You have my Vote!!

  • July 10, 2008

    10:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jbowen43 writes:

    The candidates "agree that the federal government needs to be scaled back". Well, they are going to have to be a lot more specific about what programs get the axe. This "small government" BS has gone on long enough. None of the proponents is willing to take on the bloated military budget. Generally republicans attack the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. That's a fact and you can look it up.