Colorado Springs voters are being bombarded with campaign literature and television advertisements as the 2024 contest for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District reaches a historic level of spending. The surge follows a $14.8 million outlay by Republican candidate Jeff Crank, Democratic challenger Jessica Killin, and a host of outside groups and political action committees.
Why the ads are multiplying
University of Colorado Colorado Springs political‑science professor Dr. Sara Hagedorn, who has worked on several congressional campaigns, explains that the district has traditionally been a safe seat, allowing candidates to “let off the hook.” This cycle, however, is different. “We are seeing a close race,” she said, noting that the influx of negative ads mirrors what voters see in more competitive districts across the country.
Negative advertisements, according to Dr. Hagedorn, are designed to stir emotions—fear, anger, anxiety—that motivate voters to act. “Attack ads cause voters to question things and can move people to the polls,” she added.
Spending numbers put the race in perspective
Federal Election Commission data show that the combined spending by the two candidates and their supporting groups is more than seven times the amount raised in the 2024 contest between Crank and former Democratic candidate River Gassen. Between 2020 and 2024, the three separate congressional races for CO‑5 totaled $3,167,456.35, making the current outlay a dramatic escalation.
Voter frustration grows
Local voter Robert Shenko voiced the sentiment many residents share: “It’s too much stuff. I’ve already voted, and I’m still getting piles and piles of this stuff. It just goes straight from the mailbox to the trash can.” While KRDO13 cannot verify the exact number of flyers or seconds of TV time, the reported spending suggests a record‑high volume of campaign material.
What the polls say
The most recent poll cited by the New York Times indicates the race is essentially a dead heat, meaning both campaigns will likely continue to flood the market with ads up until voting closes at 7:00 p.m. on November 3.
What voters can do
Residents who feel overwhelmed can consider opting out of direct mail through the United States Postal Service’s “No Junk Mail” service, though political mail is exempt from that program. Staying informed through local news outlets, attending candidate forums, and reviewing official FEC filings can also help voters cut through the noise.
As the election draws near, the volume of campaign messaging is expected to stay high, underscoring the importance of discerning the facts behind the rhetoric.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
