Mayoral candidate Buddy Gilmore today pledged to run an “honorable campaign” and challenged his opponents to do the same.

“I spoke with the staff last night, and we decided to take the lead on this, not only pledging to run a positive campaign, but also to define the boundaries of a clean, positive campaign,” Gilmore said.

The pledge calls for candidates to steer clear of personally attacking “the spouse or children of a candidate” and denouncing so-called 527s that spew sleazy messages, among other promises.

Here is the full text of the pledge:

As a candidate for Mayor of Colorado Springs, I pledge to campaign on issues that matter to the citizens and people of our fine city. I will put forth a positive vision for the future of our city, and highlight good government concerns including wise, ethical and fiscally responsible approaches to providing for community prosperity, protection of citizen rights, public safety, transportation, utilities, health, parks, and the environment.

In the centuries-old great American tradition, I hope this campaign will involve spirited debate on how these important objectives should be accomplished. My opponents and I may agree or disagree on different issues. Honorable people can disagree, should debate the issues, and offer their honest views. Through the crucible of debate and elections, we find the leaders that can help take us to the best solutions for our city. I will campaign hard for the votes of my fellow citizens and I will also seek honorable debate and discussion during this campaign.

An honest debate of the issues demands we not attempt to deceive the public. Quotes from a candidate should not be used out of context. Positions or actions of political opponents should not be described or depicted in such a way that it deceives the public as to their actual position or what actually happened. My campaign will always seek to accurately describe our positions and, where necessary, accurately describe the positions and actions of our opponents.

An honorable campaign does not need to scorn or personally attack the spouse or children of a candidate. We should compliment and encourage families that give up their husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters to the great service of our community. My campaign will always honor family contributions to our city.

Finally, some independent groups such as independent political action committees forget these basic rules of honorable and civil debate. I do not seek support from these kinds of organizations and will condemn advertising by those that disregard these rules, even when it is intended to be done on my behalf.

I challenge all the other candidates in the race for Mayor to join me in this pledge.

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