Backers named on Bruce Web site say endorsement from 2004

By Ed Sealover, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 21, 2008 at 8:09 p.m.
Updated July 21, 2008 at 8:09 p.m.

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Photo by Dennis Schroeder

State Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, works on an amendment on the House floor at the State Capitol during the last legislative session.

Douglas Bruce's Web site featured an impressive list of endorsements for his legislative primary race, including U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, Secretary of State Mike Coffman and Republican National Committeeman Mark Hillman.

There was just one problem: None of them actually had given the Colorado Springs Republican representative their backing for the contest.

So, about 10 minutes after being asked about the inconsistency by the Rocky Mountain News on Monday, Bruce had his webmaster remove a notation that they were supporting him in the House District 15 tussle.

But the move did not come before his opponent, as well as a spokesman for one of the listed endorsers, questioned Bruce's integrity.

"If you're willing to not be honest about who's endorsing you in a race, then maybe that shows your character for future action," said Mark Waller, Bruce's primary challenger.

Added Rich Coolidge, spokesman for Coffman: "It's not right for Douglas Bruce to hold out that this endorsement reflects his candidacy for the House when it doesn't...That's clearly deceptive."

All 24 individuals listed as backing Bruce at www.douglasbruce.com have done so, but 15 gave their backing when he ran for El Paso County commissioner in 2004, according to links to the endorsements on the site. Still, the site had them all listed under the bullet point: "Elected officials and other leaders supporting Douglas Bruce for State Representative in House District 15."

When asked about the wording, Bruce said it had been changed by an overzealous webmaster and that he had no intention to deceive. Within 10 minutes, the heading over the list of endorsers read: "Elected officials and others who have supported or praised Douglas Bruce during his years of his public service."

Most of those listed incorrectly reacted without concern. An Allard spokesman characterized it as "not a big deal," and Hillman said he figured it was just a miscommunication.

Former state Rep. Mark Cloer, who is now a lobbyist, said that while he has no plans to issue any primary endorsements this year, he still backs Bruce's character overall.

"Most people that endorse (will) endorse based on the person and the credibility of the person," Cloer said. "He's forthright. He's definitely opinionated. And he keeps things hopping, whether legislatively or at the commissioner level."

• July 21, 2008

  8:59 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  anya writes:

  Ah, the Loony Party. Always an endorsement when you need it, even if you have to make it up yourself.

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