U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn says credibility is essential in electing the next Republican congressman from Colorado and on Monday endorsed Jeff Crank to win the June 25 GOP primary election in the 5th District.

“With critical issues facing us in Washington D.C. like the future of space command, it is vital that we elect a U.S. representative with credibility,” said Lamborn, who is retiring at the end of this term after having served the Colorado Springs area since 2007.

 “The good people of El Paso County have put their trust in me for nearly two decades to represent them in our nation’s capital, and for that I am grateful. I’ve been watching the campaign to succeed me in Congress. it’s clear that our community would be better served with Jeff in Congress,” Lamborn said.

“I know that Jeff will represent our conservative values in Washington,” Lamborn said.

Crank has picked up numerous key endorsements in Colorado including former Congressman Joel Hefley, a conservative warrior who represented the Springs for 20 years prior to Lamborn.

The Republican primary is between Crank and the chairman of the Republican Party in Colorado, Dave Williams.

Williams has come under fire recently for using party resources and funding to attack Crank, which could be a violation of federal campaign laws if it goes unreported in Williams’ financial contribution disclosures.

Republican party leaders are starting to push back against Williams and the direction in which he’s leading the party, including plans to issue formal party endorsements of Republican candidate before the party primary.

Historically, individuals have endorsed candidates, but the party does not get involved until after voters choose the GOP candidate in the primary election.

Williams even inserted a thinly veiled attack on Crank in the three-page endorsement questionnaire — again at the expense of the donors and members of Colorado’s Republican Party.