[img_assist|nid=1677|title=Former U.S. Rep. Joel Hefley|desc=Getty Images|link=none|align=right|width=200|height=190]Jeff Crank, Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado's 5th Congressional District, today announced the endorsement of former Congressman Joel Hefley.

"The Republican Party has lost its way," Hefley said in the statement. "It's crucial we get our own Republican Party's house in order, on ethics and spending, by electing principled leaders. Congressional Republicans have too often put politics before principle and winning before ethics...I know it can be difficult to stand up for what's right when colleagues make bad decisions. Jeff and I did just that for eight years. I know Jeff can make a difference in restoring and renewing our party in Congress. That's why I am endorsing him."

"Joel Hefley epitomizes ethics in government," said Crank in the statement. "He is the standard that legislators should try to live up to and his endorsement is very important to me. "