Free Republic

Republican state Sen. Doug Lamborn's fiercest opponent in the 5th District race isn't his Democratic foe. It's the Republican he's trying to succeed -- 10-term Rep. Joel Hefley. Mr. Lamborn is running neck and neck with Democrat Jay Fawcett ... Shortly after Mr. Lamborn won a six-candidate primary on Aug. 8, Mr. Hefley, who is retiring, said he would refuse to endorse the Republican candidate, pointing to what he described as his "sleazy, dishonest campaign." That stinging rebuke, coming from the highly regarded Mr. Hefley, delivered a devastating blow to Mr. Lamborn's candidacy. Several other prominent Republicans soon joined Mr....

If there is one issue that the six Republicans and one Democrat running for Congress agree on, it is the need to reform the federal budget and cut government spending. The question is how to do it. Each candidate seeking to replace retiring GOP 5th Congressional District Rep. Joel Hefley has criticized the cost of government. Republican Jeff Crank last week laid out the first extensive budget reform and spending plan. Some themes emerge when the candidates discuss the subject. Everyone — including Democrat Jay Fawcett — backs a balanced budget amendment, and everyone thinks there are at least some...

The announcement came without fanfare: A one-page news release, e-mailed to media outlets at 4 p.m. Thursday. No advance notice, no speech, no cameras. Those who know U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley said it was a fitting exit for a man who, over 20 years in Congress, never sought praise or recognition but fought quietly for his constituents and the Army post in his district. “In Washington, you’ve got some of these personalities, and it’s about how quickly you can get in front of the camera and get someone else out of the way. Joel’s never been one of those,” said...

More than 30 Iraq and Persian Gulf War veterans have entered congressional races across the country as Democrats, hoping to capitalize on their military experience to topple the incumbent Republican majority. In Colorado, two former military men, Jay Fawcett and Bill Winter, are vying for the House seats of two strong, entrenched Republicans: Rep. Joel Hefley of the 5th Congressional District and Rep. Tom Tancredo of the 6th Congressional District, respectively. "Do we understand military and foreign affairs? You bet," Fawcett said. "Most of us have been to the point where you get a direct dose of military and foreign...

Hefley’s McCain bashing riles challenger By ED SEALOVER - THE GAZETTE Congressional candidate Fred Hardee blasted Congressman Joel Hefley on Friday, saying remarks he made against Sen. John McCain should offend veterans. A Hefley spokeswoman shot back that Hardee’s allegations are so baseless that “they do not meet the laugh test.” The controversy revolves around a comment that Hefley, a Republican from Colorado Springs, made about fellow Republican McCain at a GOP gathering Thursday night. One night earlier, the Arizona senator criticized a speech at the Republican National Convention in which Democratic Sen. Zell Miller bashed John Kerry. McCain said...

Land grabbers in Congress, led by Rep. Joel Hefley (R-CO), want to pass federal legislation (H.R. 1427) to create a National Heritage Areas program. Property rights advocates must be on the alert and prepared to fight to ensure that such a program never comes into existence. National Heritage Areas present many dangers to traditional property rights and local zoning. Here are a few of the more serious implications and problems associated with an NHA program: * National Heritage Areas are de facto federal zoning. Despite proponents' claims to the contrary, as federal dollars flow from Washington to individual NHAs, inevitably,...

The newest threat to property rights, which are the foundation of American liberty, is posed by H.R. 2388, "The National Heritage Areas Policy Act." Sponsored by Rep. Joel Hefley (R-Colo.), H.R. 2388 is due for a vote any day now. The bill sets up a process for the creation of National Heritage Areas. It dangles federal tax dollars under the noses of the states, essentially begging them to designate land as a Heritage Area. Once land is designated, it is subject to the whims and dictates of the National Park Service, setting the stage for myriad property rights abuses...