Rayburn Challenges Lamborn -- Not Crank -- To 3-5 Debates

As U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) planned to formally launch his CD-5 re-election bid on Monday, opponent Bentley Rayburn challenged him to a series of debates.

In a letter delivered to Lamborn's campaign office early Monday afternoon, Rayburn, a retired Air Force major general, proposed "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 (issues) could include, but certainly are not limited, to the economy, winning the war against radical Islam, education, and healthcare," the letter stated.

Rayburn manager Mike Hesse said Rayburn is willing to debate Lamborn "anytime, anyplace."

Hesse said the debate proposals are in keeping with Rayburn's message of keeping the CD-6 race positive and focused on issues.

"With (Lamborn) kicking off his campaign, he can join in the strategy of keeping the race clean, instead of negative," Hesse said. 

Lamborn campaign manager Robin Coran said with Lamborn set to launch his re-election bid tonight in Colorado Springs, she hasn't had time to read Rayburn's letter.

No letter was sent to businessman Jeff Crank, the third candidate in the Republican primary, though Hesse said he was welcome to join in.

"I'm sure he'll hear about it," Hesse said.

Crank campaign consultant Patrick Davis said Crank "welcomes the opportunity to debate his opponents at any forum, either hosted by the Republican Party or any other non-partisan organization."

Davis also said that, unlike Bentley, who is petitioning onto the ballot, Crank is participating in the "institutional debates" of Republican Party caucuses tomorrow.