Hefley ponders run at seat as write-in
By ED SEALOVER THE GAZETTE
Rep. Joel Hefley is seriously considering running as a writein candidate to retain his seat rather than risk handing it over to Republican nominee Doug Lamborn. In meetings with national political consultants, Hefley and his supporters have come up with yard-sign designs and the key messages of a possible campaign, Republican Party activist Peggy Littleton said. Hefley, who has represented the 5th Congressional District for 20 years, has been the subject of a three-week push by high-level Republicans to take this nearly unheard-of step, Littleton said Monday. To be a write-in candidate, Hefley must file an affidavit of intention with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office by 5 p.m. today. Since Lamborn edged former Hefley aide Jeff Crank in a six-way primary on Aug. 8, a number of party leaders, including elected officials, have begged Hefley to run again because of concerns about how Lamborn conducted his primary campaign, said Littleton and another party activist, who asked to remain anonymous.
A Lamborn spokesman said the campaign was not aware of the possible write-in effort, but after learning about it from a reporter Monday, Lamborn attempted to reach Hefley. In announcing his retirement in February, Hefley said that he had done enough in Washington, D.C. He has reconsidered, those close to him say, because of his displeasure with Lamborn’s nomination. The only question remaining is whether the 71-year-old will make such a controversial move in the twilight of his career. The former rancher was in Oklahoma for a cousin’s funeral Monday and was unavailable for comment. “It’s really been a concerted effort of many behind the scenes to make this happen,” Littleton said. “Looking at this, I don’t see how Joel can not do this.” Shortly after announcing he would not seek an 11th term, Hefley endorsed Crank. Crank and Lamborn engaged in a bloody political battle that included third-party mailings accusing Crank of being a tax hiker and an advocate for the “radical homosexual lobby,” charges Lamborn either leveled or refused to renounce. Lamborn, a state senator, won the primary by 892 votes and is set to face Democrat Jay Fawcett in a district that leans heavily Republican. Thirteen Republicans have publicly announced their support for Fawcett, and others have complained behind the scenes about Lamborn’s primary campaign. Radio stations pulled two ads by an organization that backed Lamborn because their truth was questioned, and the Federal Election Commission is investigating a complaint Lamborn illegally collaborated with outside groups. Lamborn maintains that he campaigned on his record during 12 years in the Legislature and that he simply highlighted unflattering parts of opponents’ records. He has said also that he had nothing to do with mailers from outside groups. Hefley, who criticized negative campaigning at the May GOP congressional assembly, gained a reputation in his later years as a champion of ethics in politics. He led the House ethics committee when it chastised Majority Leader Tom DeLay — a member of his own party — and later lost that seat and was ostracized by DeLay and his allies. Littleton said many wellknown elected officials will back Hefley if he runs. If he does not, she and others are likely to sit out the election or, in some cases, vote for Fawcett, she said. “Joel is the essence of integrity. . . . He was able to overcome ‘The Hammer,’ Tom DeLay,” Littleton said. Hefley wants to avoid “allowing someone who is very unethical to take over his seat,” she said. Lamborn’s campaign manager, Jon Hotaling, said Monday that the effort seems like sour grapes. He noted Lamborn is backed by the state and national Republican parties and by the parties of all six counties in the district. “It sounds like some of Crank’s supporters are still smarting from their loss, but the voters have spoken and Senator Lamborn is the duly elected Republican nominee,” Hotaling said. If Hefley runs, he will be taking on not only his party’s nominated successor, but history. Only four members of Congress have been elected via the write-in process, and it has not happened in 24 years. It is unknown if Hefley’s write-in campaign would increase Fawcett’s chances of becoming the first Democrat elected from the district. Another registered Republican, Rich Hand, also is running as a write-in candidate, but he has generated little interest. CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0184 or ed.sealover@gazette.com
Rep. Joel Hefley: Those close to him say he is displeased with Lamborn’s nomination.
Doug Lamborn: Complaint that he illegally collaborated with outside groups is being investigated.
Jay Fawcett: Thirteen Republicans have publicly announced support for the Democrat.
