Debate Proposal Letter From Bentley Rayburn To Doug Lamborn

February 4, 2008

Representative Douglas Lamborn

3730 Sinton Rd

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Dear Congressman Lamborn,

As I know you are announcing your candidacy for the Fifth Congressional District today, I want to take this opportunity to formally welcome you to the race.  Before the campaign gets going on all cylinders, I think it is important that the campaign for Congress be a positive, healthy exchange of ideas between the candidates. 

I did not take the decision to challenge you lightly.  I am sure you will recall that after the 2006 primary Debbi, and I actively worked for your election, and since then I have privately conveyed to you my concerns about your time on office. The purpose of this letter is not to go through a litany of those concerns as the campaign will provide us an opportunity to share with the voters in the district our dramatically different backgrounds and vision for the future.  

During my travels across the Fifth District many Republicans have voiced concerns over the tone and tenor of the last primary campaign for this office.  Many felt discouraged and disillusioned by the lack of vision and negative tactics used by two of the campaigns.  This negative residue continues to divide us! 

In the spirit of trying to keep the campaign focused on the issues of concern to citizens of the 5th district, I propose a series of 3-5 debates hosted by key community and civic groups and media outlets to provide in-depth discussions on key issues facing our community.  These could include, but certainly are not limited, to the economy, winning the war against radical Islam, education, and healthcare. 

Recognizing that you are the incumbent, I will work to accommodate your schedule. I am committed to focusing on the issues and acting in the best interests of our citizenry.  For that reason, I think this is a very important way for the citizens of our district to determine first-hand who would best serve them in the United States Congress.

Sincerely,

BENTLEY B. RAYBURN

Candidate for Congress