Lamborn under fire for controversial comments on Obama’s military policies
Congressman Doug Lamborn is coming under fire for comments he made regarding President Obama’s military policy.
When talking to voters in Colorado Springs this past Tuesday, a supporter told Lamborn to work with his colleagues in Washington, D.C. to support military personnel and our troops despite what the voter calls a lack of leadership and clear policy from the commander in chief.
KRDO NewsChannel 13 obtained video from the Halter For Congress campaign in which Lamborn states: “A lot of us are talking to generals behind the scenes saying, hey, if you disagree with the policy the White House is giving you, let’s have a resignation. Let’s have a public resignation and go out in a blaze of glory. I haven’t seen that very much, in fact I haven’t seen that in years.”
Lamborn’s Democratic opponent, retired Air Force General Irv Halter was surprised and disappointed in the incumbent’s remarks.
“I was appalled that a congressman would even suggest that it was appropriate for him to talk to military officers about resigning over a policy issue,” Halter said. “We help develop policy but when policy is finally decided we do the job that’s finally been given and execute the orders of the commander in chief.”
The Lamborn campaign suggests the comments don’t concern the current policy with regards to ISIS.
In a statement, campaign spokesman Jerrod Rego said: “In his remarks, Congressman Lamborn was referencing past policy decisions by President Obama, such as draconian defense budget cuts and changes to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, where generals and admirals approached members of Congress and expressed serious disagreement with these policy changes. There are no current discussions taking place and there are none that have anything whatsoever to do with criticizing our current military strategy to combat Isis. Congressman Lamborn supports that plan and voted to implement it.”
Halter believes Lamborn stepped out of bounds and his remarks have a direct impact on the military community here at home.
Saturday afternoon, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio called on Congressman Cory Gardner to denounce Lamborn’s remarks.
Gardner is the Republican challenger eying to defeat Sen. Mark Udall in November.
