Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer said the Army hasn't made a convincing case for expanding the Pinon Canyon training site in southeast Colorado, according to the Pueblo Chieftain.

Schaffer told the newspaper he also "adamantly" opposes the use of eminent domain to force property owners to sell their land to the military.

Some were concerned about Schaffer's feelings on this dispute. When asked by The Pueblo Chieftain last August about the controversy, Schaffer deferred giving any answer until this year.

The Army wants to nearly triple the size of the site, to more than 1,000 square miles, citing growth and changing training needs. Commanders say they want to buy the land from willing sellers.

Democratic Rep. Mark Udall, Schaffer's possible opponent in the November election, has voted to block funds for expanding the site.

Read more about Schaffer's comments in the Pueblo Chieftain.