Lamborn Survives Challenge From Blaha

By Scott Bland  //  June 26, 2012 | 9:44 p.m.

Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., won his 5th District primary despite a stiff challenge from businessman Robert Blaha.

The Associated Press called the race just after 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Lamborn led Blaha 61 percent to 39 percent.

Lamborn doesn't fit the usual profile of Republican incumbents with primary trouble; he is a bedrock conservative and has topped National Journal's conservative vote ratings in the past. But he has a troubled relationship with some factions of the local GOP dating back to a feud with ex-Rep. Joel Hefley, and Blaha's self-funded campaign, with its sharp television ads, exacerbated Lamborn's troubles. The incumbent also feuded with local media during the primary, doing himself no favors.

Lamborn has nothing to worry about now, though. The 5th District, anchored in Colorado Springs, is safely Republican, and he can look forward to another term in Congress after navigating the primary.


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