The upcoming Republican primary in Colorado's 5th Congressional District is heating up as candidates Dave Williams and Jeff Crank prepare to face off on June 25.
The Colorado Sun asked Republican candidates Dave Williams and Jeff Crank in the 5th Congressional District about their positions on key issues, including aid to Israel and abortion.
The victor of this primary will represent their party in the general election on November 5, vying to succeed the retiring U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn.
Dave Williams, currently serving as the chairman of the Colorado GOP and a former state legislator, emphasizes a staunch conservative platform.
He pledges to prioritize issues such as border security, government spending and tax reduction, and support for the military and veterans. Williams firmly believes in aligning closely with former President Trump's America-First policies.
Jeff Crank, the older contender at 57, brings different experiences as a regional vice president of Americans for Prosperity and a known conservative voice. Crank focuses significantly on immigration, advocating for stringent border security and accountability for the current administration's policies.
The two candidates not only differ in their approach to dealing with Democrats but also in their prioritization of legislative changes.
Williams is known for his combative stance against what he terms radical Democrats, opposing any form of compromise that involves their agendas.
Dave Williams has stated that President Biden's decisions, including the placement of the Space Command headquarters, are linked to broader national policies such as abortion, which Williams opposes. He also believes that receiving President Trump's endorsement strengthens his ability to represent Colorado effectively.
In contrast, Jeff Crank emphasizes the necessity of sometimes working across party lines to pass legislation beneficial to all Americans. He is critical of using important bills like the National Defense Authorization Act as vehicles for unrelated political agendas.
Crank argues that these defense bills should strictly focus on national defense provisions and not be cluttered with partisan issues. He points to a lack of discipline in government spending as a bipartisan failure contributing to current economic issues like inflation.
Both candidates express a firm stance on illegal immigration and the enforcement of laws related to it. Williams advocates for stronger measures against sanctuary cities and illegal immigrants.
In contrast, Crank underlines the importance of securing the border to uphold the rule of law before addressing the status of individuals like Dreamers.
