GOP Rep Jeff Crank Mocked Over ‘Lake America’ Debate Gaffe

Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag The renaming of Lake Ontario by President Donald Trump could end up drowning the reelection campaign of a Colorado congressman seeking a second term.

Republican Rep.

Jeff Crank drew derisive laughter at a campaign debate for candidates in the state’s Fifth Congressional District at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs when he said he was unaware of Trump’s arbitrary decision to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America”—and he didn’t appear to care.

“Lake Ontario or Lake America?” debate moderator Ernest Luning asked both Crank and his Democratic challenger Jessica Killin at the debate hosted Thursday by KOAA News5.

“The president issued an order changing the name of Lake Ontario,” Luning added.

“I’m unaware of...

What’s the reference?” Crank, a former radio host, responded, triggering laughter—and groans—from the audience.

“He changed the name to Lake America this morning,” Luning told Crank.

“I don’t know.

I have other more pressing issues I’m working on.

Goodness,” an exasperated Crank replied.

Killin, an Army veteran, knew exactly what the moderator meant.

Her answer: “Lake Ontario.” Recent polls show the race between the two candidates as a statistical dead heat .

Trump ordered Lake Ontario renamed “Lake America” in an executive order Thursday amid the damaging trade war that he has waged against Canada.