No panel slot for Lamborn

Is Rep. Doug Lamborn at the front of the line or at the end? That’s the question regarding a recent opening on the House Armed Services Committee that did not go to Lamborn.

The freshman Republican from Colorado Springs said on his Web site and in a mailer to constituents that he had been given “on leave” status for the committee and would have a seat “when the next Republican vacancy arises.”

It’s a plum assignment for a congressman from a military town such as Colorado Springs. Lamborn’s predecessor, Rep. Joel Hefley, was on the committee 18 years.

But when Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., left the committee to take a slot on the powerful House Appropriations Committee recently, Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., got the seat.

Shuster, a former committee member, was chosen because he also had “on leave” status and has more seniority, said Josh Holly, a minority spokesman for the committee.

Lamborn press secretary Chris Harvin argued Lamborn’s assertion he will fill the next Republican vacancy is still valid. He said this opening should not be considered a vacancy since Shuster was an active member who chose to take leave and then come back.

“We’ve been told that the next slot is our slot,” Harvin said.