Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows removes ex-President Trump from the 2024 primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment.
This unprecedented move, subject to potential appeal, signifies a dramatic escalation in the battle over Trump’s eligibility for future office.
Democrat Bellows highlighted the seriousness of her choice, praising the historical significance of using the 14th Amendment while also recognizing the sanctity of democracy. She asserted in her remarks that democracy is sacred… Nevertheless, I also keep in mind that no presidential candidate has ever before participated in an insurrection.
The 14th Amendment, enacted post-Civil War, bars individuals involved in insurrection from holding public office. Bellows highlighted the absence of precedent in using Section Three of the Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate, acknowledging the weight of her decision.
Referencing the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Bellows stressed the compelling evidence presented during the hearing, attributing the events to Trump’s actions.
She asserted, “The record establishes that Mr. Trump, over several months and culminating on January 6, 2021, used a false narrative of election fraud to inflame his supporters and direct them to the Capitol.”
Legal Fallout and Ramifications of Maine’s Decision
This decision follows a similar move by the Colorado Supreme Court, marking a victory for Trump’s opponents who argue that such actions align with the Amendment’s intent to safeguard against anti-democratic threats.
However, Trump’s campaign vehemently criticized Bellows, denouncing the move as a leftist overreach interfering with the electoral process.
Bellows, upholding her legal obligation and citing Maine’s election laws, prioritized fidelity to the Constitution.
She maintained that Trump’s conduct, especially his actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot, warranted exclusion from the primary ballot, underscoring the Amendment’s stance against undermining the nation’s governmental foundations.
The decision in Maine, alongside similar efforts in other states, sets the stage for a potential legal showdown, indicating the contentious and evolving landscape surrounding Trump’s political future and the interpretation of constitutional principles in electoral processes.
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