<p>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yep he is a newly elected congressman and “inherited” this situation from the election loser.</p>
<p>Sometimes this happens because the congressman is new and inexperienced in the nomination process. My own Congressman typically always leaves an opening - for an “emergency” - so he normally only has a maximum of 4 candidates at an academy at a time.</p>
<p>You guys are correct about Principle though. The academy is required by Federal Law to appoint the principle nominee IF that candidate is qualified. A check with admissions would appear to be in order and certainly prudent.</p>