Lamborn Back On Ballot In Whirlwind Court Proceedings

<p>(Courtesy U.S. Congress)</p>
<p>Congressman Doug Lamborn represents Colorado&#039;s Fifth District, which includes a large Air Force presence.</p>
Photo: Lamborn Space Agency
Congressman Doug Lamborn represents Colorado's Fifth District, which includes a large Air Force presence.

Updated 4:30 p.m. -- It appears Colorado Springs U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn will be on the Republican primary ballot after all.

U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer struck down Tuesday a requirement that people gathering signatures for a candidate be Colorado residents. The judge concluded the law infringes on petition circulators' First Amendment rights. Read Judge Brimmer's decision.

The state Supreme Court had ruled that one of Lamborn's circulators didn't meet the residency requirement, leaving him without enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

"We believe it is time to move on from this issue, and we hope our opponents will end their legal maneuverings in an effort to disqualify Congressman Lamborn from the Republican primary," said campaign spokesperson Dan Bayens in a statement.

Lamborn has represented Colorado's 5th Congressional District since 2007. He has four challengers for the June 26 primary.

The Colorado Secretary of State's office is reviewing the last-minute ruling.

"We will evaluate the case, but right now our focus is on an election that fast approaches. Ballots must be printed and sent to our military and overseas voters on May 12th," said Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert in a statement.