As anticipated, Colorado Springs U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank’s reelection rival lashed out at him with shopworn Democratic talking points in Thursday’s debate at the Pikes Peak Center. And as usual, it involved an attempt to tie him to our nation’s often-polarizing president. 

It was a misfire.

Crank deftly and convincingly set the record straight. Even as he and much of the Pikes Peak region usually agree with the administration’s policies, Crank made clear he hasn’t hesitated to go against the White House when it was the right thing to do. 

On water for the lower Arkansas Valley. On releasing the notorious “Epstein files.” Even on the U.S. military action against Iran, which Crank wisely is committed to seeing through — while directing principled criticism at the White House for failing to consult Congress. And let’s not forget that he vociferously opposed the decision in Washington last year to move U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Ala.

Throughout an hour of debate before an audience stacked with his opponent’s supporters — a tedious campaign tactic — Crank rose above the noise. He came across as very much the statesman he has proved himself to be as he wraps up his first term representing Colorado’s historically Republican 5th Congressional District.

While the smart and articulate Crank can be expected to acquit himself well in the back-and-forth of campaign debates, what really matters, of course, is his record. And as noted earlier, his exemplary service to his constituents and his country isn’t just campaign rhetoric.

After only two years in Washington, the southern Colorado native and longtime Republican champion of the Pikes Peak region’s extensive local military presence has proven he knows his way around the nation’s capital. That’s how he has helped fortify our national defense as well as the Pikes Peak region’s defense-driven economy.

It’s why The Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Crank for reelection both in last June’s GOP primary election and in the upcoming general election Nov. 3. 

In May, Crank and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced several key projects that will enhance the Springs area’s extensive military infrastructure. They’re projects Crank played an instrumental role in securing, using his know-how of the political process as well as his relentless dedication in pursuing it. 

Included in the windfall is a $250 million Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base. It is expected to create about 2,500 civilian jobs

The new facility will support projects such as the planned Golden Dome missile-defense system, space-based reconnaissance and all-domain command and control. Thanks in part to the congressman, a key position with decision-making power over Space Force funding will also move to El Paso County.

It’s a boon to national security as well as the local economy — a synergy for which Crank has a keen sense. He not only is attuned to the Pikes Peak region’s pro-military sensibilities, but he also has a deft understanding of how Congress and the executive branch can cooperate for the common good.  

Crank, who serves on the powerful House Armed Services Committee, has developed the nuanced touch needed for a successful partnership with our nation’s military and its policymakers in Washington. He’ll use his wise intonation as he plays a leading role navigating CD-5’s promising future in serving the nation’s defense.

Crank doesn’t need stale campaign talking points to tout his bid for reelection this fall. His winning efforts speak for themselves.