Lamborn in federal court, political future up in the air

The testimonies and arguments in Congressman Doug Lamborn’s hearing wrapped up Monday afternoon. The judge now has the case under advisement and will submit a written response within 24 hours.

The fate of Lamborn’s political career is in the hands of the federal court judge. The hearing determines if the six-term Republican will be able to get back on the primary ballot.

Lamborn was removed from the Republican primary ballot on April 23, due to an issue with his ballot petition. He had used signature collectors to gather the required 1,000 signatures needed to be placed on the ballot. A group of Republicans had filed a lawsuit saying that Lamborn may have used signature collectors who didn’t meet the state’s residency requirement.

Lamborn fought back in federal court asking the court to rule the residency requirement for circulators unconstitutional.

According to recent court updates on Monday, two motions on interveners were denied. This means none of the lawmakers part of the initial lawsuit will be able to testify and were not even allowed in the courtroom. The suit is only between Lamborn and the Secretary of State Wayne Williams.

There was pressure to get a quick decision in court Monday, because the deadline for the Secretary of State to certify the ballot is Wednesday.

The decision determines how any future candidate can qualify to get on the ballot in Colorado – for any office: city, county, federal or state.