Coffman endorses Tipton - does that mean Tipton will be an ally for Coffman on expansion?

Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman, an avid supporter of expanding the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver site, has endorsed Republican congressional candidate Scott Tipton.  Tipton, who released the endorsement on his web site on May 4, said that  "I am deeply honored by Congressman Coffman's endorsement."  In accepting the endorsement, Tipton refused to disavow Coffman's position on Pinon Canyon.

Coffman has been clear and open about his support for expansion at the Army's site in Southeast Colorado.

On June 17, 2009, Coffman stated in a press release  "I remain convinced that the Army's plans, which do not include eminent domain, are fully justified and necessary ."  In a story from the Colorado Springs Gazette on April 20, 2010, the headline read 'Congressman [Coffman] proposes condemnation ban to help Pinon Canyon Expand.'  The story notes that his proposal, by allaying land-seizure fears, could also avert an all-out expansion ban that Congress has placed on the project annually as part of the Pentagon budget bill, according to a Coffman spokesman.  That is, his proposal is really an effort to keep expansion alive.

In 2009, Coffman threw a tantrum when Governor Ritter signed a bill making it more difficult to condemn land at Pinon Canyon.  On June 2, 2009, Coffman said that "the Governor clearly has no concept about the training and readiness needs of our combat forces. By signing H.B. 1317, a bill that blocks the Army's ability to expand training areas, the Governor has sent a very clear message that the men and women who serve our nation in uniform are not welcome here.  I think he would be more sympathetic if the U.S. Army were to declare itself a terrorist organization."

With his endorsement of Tipton, has Coffman found himself an ally in his crusade to allow the Army to turn thousands of acres of ranch land, many of which has been in family hands for generations, into more training ground?  If so, then would Tipton's election likely move supporters of the expansion one step closer to victory and opponents one step closer to the loss of their land?

NOTE: Tipton has been on record as voting for bills that are against PCMS expansion and we are awaiting a reply from his office as to whether his position has in fact changed or does he remain against expansion considering Coffman's endorsement.  PCEOC Admin.

Congressman Mike Coffman Endorses Scott Tipton for Congress

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