How Real-World Experiences Shaped This Congressman for Life on The Hill

Traversing an Alaskan wilderness to pursue bear and braving a snowstorm to hunt bighorn sheep are experiences that have helped Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colo.) develop character traits essential for reaching significant goals.

Patience. And perseverance.

At times, the freshman Republican legislator has learned while perched in a tree stand or concealed in a hunting blind that it is often the waiting that results in the greatest successes.

For instance, Crank patiently awaited 21 years for a hunting license that enabled him to pursue the sheep. After spending 12 days in the snow, he ultimately celebrated a long-anticipated hunting triumph.

As he ventured into politics, it was once again about patience.

He initially set his sights on the seat for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District in 2006. However, in that Republican primary race, attorney Doug Lamborn emerged victorious.

Rep. Lamborn subsequently served the district for 18 years.

During this time, Crank remained patient.

He recognized Lamborn’s popularity and decided to hold off on running again until the incumbent announced he would not seek reelection.

Throughout the years, Crank dedicated his time to hosting a conservative talk radio show, discussing public policy issues that resonated with his 60,000 listeners at KVOR-AM, a radio station based in Colorado Springs.

After 18 years since his first attempt at Congress, the waiting came to an end when Lamborn declared he would not run for another term.

Thus, Crank re-entered the race for the congressional seat.

His perseverance ultimately bore fruit.

True Outdoorsman

Evidence of the congressman’s deep love for the outdoors is evident to all who visit his office on Capitol Hill.

“I was raised on hunting and fishing with my father, brother, and even a little with my sisters,” Crank shared with The Epoch Times.

“I’ve cherished incredible moments with my children, exploring the woods and fields together.”

Now, he is dedicated to serving his constituents following the departure of his admired predecessor.

Lamborn was recognized for being a strong supporter of Israel, particularly regarding its missile defense initiatives.

“He held a theological and ideological commitment to Israel’s survival,” remarked Sarah Stern, founder and president of the Endowment for Middle East Truth.

Lamborn also proposed legislation to stop U.S. funding for the Palestinian Authority, which benefited terrorists and their families. Moreover, he led the bipartisan Israel Allies Caucus in Congress.

Consequently, Crank “has some rather large shoes to fill,” Stern stated.

Crank concurs—“big shoes” not only on matters impacting Israel, but across “a broad spectrum of issues on which he excelled.”

And he’s geared up to tackle the challenge, he affirmed.

A New Chapter

During the 18 years he awaited his opportunity to run for Congress, Crank had the chance to reflect on how to effectively engage with constituents.

“The most crucial lesson was to embody the spirit of a happy warrior,” he noted.

He emphasized the value of delivering messages about policies in a relatable manner, coupled with a smile for the everyday citizen.

He admitted that he “wasn’t quite the happy warrior” during his initial campaign in 2006.

However, he recognized the influence of positivity from former Sen. Cory Gardner (D-Colo.).

“Regardless of the situation, he maintained a smile and connected with people,” Crank recalled.

“You simply can’t adopt an angry demeanor while delivering an angry message because people prefer to hear from someone they find likable and relatable,” he explained.

Reflecting on his 2006 campaign, he realized he may not have always projected an approachable demeanor.

“It wasn’t that I was unkind or yelling, but rather, you can master the art of expressing messages with a smile,” he asserted.

Regarding interactions with people who voiced negative opinions during his campaign, Crank eventually recognized, “They weren’t criticizing you personally.”

Now, his focus is on delivering a positive message, “not just about reducing the size of government,” but rather “about dismantling the hurdles that government erects to inhibit individuals and their potential.”

“It is my responsibility as a member of Congress to work towards removing the obstacles that government places between us and our happiness, whether through high taxes, overregulation, or other means.”

Crank also realized the significance of conveying government policies in an easily understandable manner, “to be a storyteller,” he noted.

This approach could assist his Republican colleagues in garnering support for the policies they wish to champion, he explained.

For instance, in advocating for the right to bear arms, conservatives shouldn’t merely assert that gun ownership “saves lives in desperate circumstances,” he suggested.

Instead, they could share a story, perhaps about a woman with a restraining order against her abusive spouse who required a firearm for self-defense.

“We must improve our storytelling,” Crank stressed. “And I believe my communication background has played a role in refining that skill.”

Advocating for the Trump Vision

Crank, aged 58, aligns himself with the Republican values championed by former President Ronald Reagan, particularly advocating for a “strong national defense” and the reduction of federal involvement.

He critiques the federal government’s attempts to address issues like “green energy,” pushing citizens towards electric vehicles and solar energy, which he deems as “government imposing false choices instead of allowing the free market to dictate.”

He blames former President Joe Biden’s environmental policies for exacerbating inflation and is committed to combating inflation and reducing rising costs as part of his efforts in the 119th Congress.

As conservative members of Congress advocate for reductions in government expenditure, Crank alerts House GOP leaders that “the greatest risk we face lies in not being aggressive enough with spending cuts.”

The cuts must be substantial enough to ensure that in four years, the national debt isn’t “significantly higher than its current level,” he asserted. Additionally, tax reductions should be “accounted for” and executed without exacerbating the federal deficit.

A deficit occurs when the federal government’s spending outpaces its revenue. As of March 17, the federal government has recorded a $1.15 trillion shortfall this fiscal year, according to the U.S. Treasury.

The federal budget has operated at a deficit annually since 2001.

In discussions about reducing spending, President Donald Trump has opposed cuts to Medicaid. Crank anticipates that Medicaid will undergo reforms that will ultimately reduce federal expenditure.

“These aren’t spending cuts,” he elaborated. “We’re merely adjusting the approach. These adjustments are crucial.”

Hunting Again

On the walls of Crank’s congressional office are mounted trophies from his past hunting endeavors. Among them is a mule deer he captured in Fort Carson, Colorado, as well as a pronghorn antelope taken in Indian Canyon, Colorado.

He also displays a photo with a bear he hunted in a remote Alaskan region accessible only by airplane. The sheep, also a trophy, is proudly displayed atop a pedestal.

Now, each day on Capitol Hill, the congressman is engaged in a new hunt.

His target this time is to tackle the size and spending of the federal government.