Colorado Springs - Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Hal Bidlack, candidate for the United States House of Representatives, views yesterday's visit by Barack Obama as a sign of changing times in this traditionally Republican district.

"A visit to the 5th Congressional District proves that what Karen Hanretty, of the National Republican Campaign Committee, said was correct: 'There are no safe Republican seats in this election'" said Bidlack.

"Coloradans are sick of partisan politics. They want real solutions to our nation's most pressing issues," said Bidlack after his personal meeting with Senator Obama. "The constituents of Colorado's 5th District want leaders who represent their interests, not just a party's. When you vote, as Mr. Lamborn has, with the President 99 out of 100 times, that's putting the party before the people, and that is wrong."

Retired Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack served his country for 25 years in the United States Air Force, and received a special invitation to yesterday's event, which focused on honoring and elevating public service.  Among other assignments, Bidlack served as a member of the National Security Council and taught American Government at the United States Air Force Academy while also patrolling as a military policeman.

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