Mayoral Candidates Discuss Negative Campaign Tactic

A phone survey describing mayoral candidate Richard Skorman as a liberal and an advocate of big government, tax increases and homosexuals is circulating around Colorado Springs.

Some voters began receiving the survey Wednesday, the day after Skorman and opponent Steve Bach advanced from a field of eight candidates to the May 17 runoff election.

“I was hoping it wasn’t going to happen,” said Skorman. “I was really disappointed to hear that 24 hours after the election. People know me. There’s a trust factor. I’m hoping whatever is said by outside groups isn’t going to sway that.”

Laura Carno, Bach’s chief of staff, said his team has had no contact with Magellan Strategies, the Denver-area form conducting the survey.

“We did not commission the call,” she said. “We’re going to continue to have a positive message from our campaign.”

Carno’s response apparently satisfied Skorman.

“That makes me feel good,” he said. “Right now, I’ll believe that. I want to make sure that stays the way it is.”

The survey also asks if responders will vote in the May election, and if they have a preferred candidate.

A Magellan representative said the identities of clients who pay for surveys remain confidential.

Bach and Skorman have agreed to a series of three debates. The first is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 15, at the Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave.