<p>JAM, we crossposted.</p>
<p>We all know that ‘nomination’ has several definitions. A (principal) nomination which leads to an appointment is not the same as an (alternate) nomination which might only place one unsuccessfully competitive in the national pool. Your assumption is that the LOA definition is that of the second and my interpretation is based on the first, or a derivative thereof. So long as a candidate competes for all avenues available, it is immaterial. It is when they don’t that there are problems. And we have all heard of urban legends where LOAs don’t get appointments. This is the reason. They assumed the less encompassing definition of ‘nomination’.</p>
<p>Until a nomination is ‘married’ to an appointment, it is useless. For a LOA, CGO will do everything possible to arrange that marriage. I am personally aware of instances where they had to jump through hoops to arrange such weddings. I know for a fact that they were irritated that one certain candidate with an LOA, who the MOC decided to play games with, and not include anywhere on his slate, had not applied for a vice-presidential nomination. Therefore, I have first hand experience, beyond their standard statements, that they expect ALL candidates to compete for EVERY nomination available. It gives them more flexibility in filling the class, and yes, not doing so may cause a few very desirable candidates not to receive appointments. </p>
<p>A very real hypothetical scenario of what could have happened in this case is that she was in fact the prime candidate from the Senator’s office which would, in all likelihood, made her the prime candidate for her local congressman. Should she possess both, the Academy would have leeway in which appointment to credit her against. They would, for example, examine the #2 congressional candidate. Should he be someone they ‘want’, high WPM but not high enough to compete in the national pool, they would credit the OP’s daughter against the Senator and offer an appointment to the #2 on the congressional slate. However, if the #2 was marginally qualified, they would utilize that opening for the OP’s daughter and #2 would get the thin letter. All to produce the highest quality class possible and, yes, often counter to the MOCs who are attempting to appoint the greatest number of candidates from their district.</p>
<p>While this is probably beyond the comprehension of anyone not involved in the system, the simple statement to compete for all eligible nominations covers it. And if they don’t and an appointment becomes too difficult, “Sorry, you didn’t follow instructions” would be appropriate</p>