<p>My understanding is that those with LOAs are not counted against the congressional representative’s slot. if I remember the numbers correctly, last year Senator Dole nominated 10 candidates (she had 1 slot open). 4 of those candidates had LOAs. 5 candidates were given appointments - the 4 with LOAs and the 1 that WP chose from her list (she does not give a primary nomination but uses the competitive system).</p>