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With the August 10th primary election day fast approaching, the democratic primary fight between Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and his challenger, Andrew Romanoff, is boiling down to a pitched advertising battle over which candidate takes or has taken special-interest campaign contributions. Bennet supporters have launched a counter-attack of advertising intended to blunt Romanoff’s fundamental claim – that Bennet is being influenced by nearly $800,000 in campaign funds from special-interest political committees, including those representing major banks and “big oil” companies. Recently, the Bennet camp fired back with advertising showing that Romanoff’s current pledge not to take special-interest money didn’t exist during his days as a state legislator from Denver. The ads recount that “career politician” Romanoff also accepted special-interest contributions when he was in office. While Romanoff beat Bennet by 20 percentage points at the Colorado Democratic Assembly in May, Bennet has a sizable campaigning war chest. Romanoff reportedly just sold his Denver home this week to put another $325,000 into his campaign.

John Caudle, 15, entered a not guilty plea in Rio Grande District Court yesterday following several fierce battles by his attorneys. Caudle was arrested on October 16th of last year for allegedly killing his mother and stepfather, Joanne and Tracy Rinebarger with a .22 caliber pistol. Defense attorneys Daniel Walzl and Amanda Hopkins tried to block a psychiatric evaluation of Caudle yesterday saying Caudle was a vulnerable youth who had been held in a condition bordering on solitary confinement for months. The prosecution says that the evaluation is necessary if “mental conditions” are used in the defense of the defendant. District Judge Martin Gonzales said the law was on the side of the prosecution. Sparing also took place yesterday over whether Caudle should be allowed to visit with Cecile Dinsmore, who knew Caudle as a young child, during courtroom breaks. The visits were eventually not allowed. Caudle will return to court for a motions hearing at 1:30pm on August 19th.

Trinidad Lake State Park began work early this month on the phase II renovations that include installing a new playground on Carpios Ridge, redoing the south shore entrance, creating a new trail on the south shore overlook and updating to the boat ramp entrance. With a new surge of interest in camping as a family activity, the new playground should make a visit to Trinidad Lake even more rewarding. In addition to realigning the south shore entrance and installing a new entrance station, contractors are also undertaking a complete makeover of the south shore overlook. The boat ramp entrance will also be redone. While the public may experience minor inconveniences during the construction, the end result is expected to be well worth the minor inconvenience.

Three programs will take place this weekend at Lathrop State Park west of Walsenburg on U.S. 160. Tomorrow, join geoscientist Brian Penn for “geology and seismic activity of the Spanish Peaks” beginning at 8:30pm. On Saturday, musicians Andy Hackbarth and Holly Furman will perform at 5pm. And, on Sunday, join Kathy Dodge for a talk about insects at 7pm. All programs will be held at the Pinon Campground Amphitheater. In the event of poor weather, programs will be held inside the visitor’s center. All programs are free, however, all vehicles entering the park must have a valid park’s pass. Call 719-738-2376 for more information.

The 2010 Relay For Life in Las Animas County will take place tomorrow and Saturday at Central Park in Trinidad. The relay is a great opportunity to bring people together to celebrate survivorship while raising funds for cancer research, education and patient services. For more information about the relay, go to www.relaylasanimascounty.org, or call JM Tire at 719-680-9796.