Outside group funds ads attacking Lamborn Move suggests Dems think seat is in reach

For the first time in 5th Congressional District history, anoutside group is funding attack ads, with the target being RepublicanDoug Lamborn.

The group, calling itself "Freedom and Honor," has produced an adshowing disgraced Washington, D.C., officials and claiming thatLamborn, a state senator, is "sleazy." It has bought $200,000 worthof airtime on local television stations, according to the Lamborncampaign, which said it got the figure from TV stations.

Registered with the Colorado secretary of state as "Honor andFreedom," the group calls itself a nonprofit with a purpose to"inform the public of current election issues." Its treasurer, CaraGreengard, also is treasurer for Too Extreme for Colorado, which runsads against Republican Rick O'Donnell in the 7th CongressionalDistrict.

Too Extreme for Colorado is funded largely by Tim Gill and PatStryker, Democratic millionaires who have backed a slew of Democraticcandidates and causes in Colorado. Honor and Freedom has not filedpaperwork showing how much it has raised and spent.

But the fact that the state's heavy-hitter Democrats are cominginto a district that never has fielded a competitive Democratindicates they think the seat could be grabbed.

"Somebody's decided Fawcett has a chance of winning," ColoradoCollege political science professor Bob Loevy said. "Everythingthat's happening in the 5th CD this time is unusual."

Lamborn won a six-way primary for the nomination to succeed 10-term GOP Rep. Joel Hefley. Hefley, who had backed a former aide inthe race, refused to endorse Lamborn, saying he ran a "sleazy anddishonest" campaign.

Two weeks ago, the Denver Post released a poll showing Fawcett andLamborn tied. Though a more recent poll from 9News in Denver gaveLamborn a 13-point lead, the original survey seemed to excite theDemocratic base.

Lamborn campaign manager Jon Hotaling on Saturday called the newspot "a ridiculous and laughable ad by supporters of Jay Fawcett whoare trying to help him hide his liberal views from the voters."

But Fawcett campaign manager Wanda James said she thought it wasfair to link Lamborn, an avowed conservative and GOP defender, to theparty's failures.

In addition to showing pictures of indicted former House MajorityLeader Tom DeLay and convicted GOP-linked lobbyist Jack Abramoff, thead features a clip of Lamborn. That clip could be the most damagingpart, Loevy said.

It shows Lamborn asking a questioning audience member during anOct. 5 debate to "keep your mouth shut." Fawcett supporters put theclip onto the Internet video site YouTube after the debate, and it'sbeen widely circulated.

ProgressNowAction, a Denver-based left-leaning organization, willuse Lamborn's blowup as the centerpiece of an Internet ad it launchestoday. The ad features clips of cartoon and movie characters tellingothers to shut up after this introduction: "Meet Doug Lamborn. He'srunning for Congress in Colorado's 5th CD. His message is simple."

In a normal race, Lamborn's comment would have been forgottenquickly, Loevy said. But with the GOP fractured, President Bushgetting low approval ratings and Hefley not endorsing Lamborn, itcould be one of many factors leading to a Democratic upset, he said.

Hotaling said Democrats have taken a quote directed at a hecklerout of context. The ads don't, for example, show Lamborn apologizingwhile answering the next question.

"Those who truly know Doug Lamborn... realize he's a man of honorand integrity who will stand up to hecklers," Hotaling said.

Democrats are banking, however, that voters will see it assomething more. James said Fawcett may use it in future ads as well,hoping to create the impression that Lamborn doesn't think peoplehave the right to question him.

"What's his take? 'You shut up. I know what's right. I don't haveto speak to you because I'm a Christian white male,' " James said.

Lamborn and Fawcett are set to debate again on the radio on Oct.30 on KVOR's Dr. Joseph Michelli show.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0184 or ed.sealover@gazette.com