Retired Air Force Maj. Gen Bentley Rayburn, who finished third in 2006’s combative Fifth Congressional District Republican primary, will announce tonight that he’s officially entering the 2008 contest.
Rayburn would join Jeff Crank, who finished second in the 2006 race, in trying to unseat Doug Lamborn, the freshman congressman from Colorado Springs.
Rayburn’s campaign said he will make the announcement at the Doubletree Hotel in Colorado Springs at 6:30 p.m.
“We’ve spent 30 years serving our country all over the world,” Rayburn said in a release, “but Colorado has always been our home. Now Debbi and I want to continue serving our District in new and productive ways.”
Political observers have said that a three-way race in the solidly Republican district likely benefits the incumbent, as those dissatisfied with Lamborn’s performance will split their votes between the other two candidates.
Crank this week reported raising $77,000 for the race.
