Controversial State Rep. Klingenschmitt loses state senate primary

A controversial state representative from eastern Colorado Springs is likely out of office after losing a state senate primary Tuesday.

State Rep. Gordon Klingenschmitt lost the GOP primary in State Senate District 12 against Bob Gardner.

According to the El Paso County GOP, Klingenschmitt is not running for reelection to his state house seat in District 15, meaning he will be out of office when his term ends.

State Rep. Klingenschmitt took heat for several controversial comments he’s made in the past.

The state Republican Party condemned Rep. Klingenschmitt remarks last year about allowing gay leaders in the Boy Scouts.

Rep. Klingenschmitt also made comments about the Michelle Wilkins case. The Longmont woman had her baby ripped from her womb in 2015 by Dynel Lane, who was found guilty of the crime earlier this year. Rep. Klingenschmitt said, “This is the curse of God, upon American for our sin of not protecting innocent children in the womb. And part of that curse, for our rebellion against God as a nation, is that our pregnant women are ripped open.”

He later apologized for his remarks.