Arizona’s secretary of state confirms Trump’s eligibility for state ballot.
Democratic Arizona Secretary of State Claims Powerless to Keep Trump off Ballot
Adrian Fontes, the Democratic Secretary of State in Arizona, made a bold statement on Wednesday, asserting that he lacks the authority to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot next year. This declaration comes amidst mounting criticism that Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol riot violated a constitutional amendment that would disqualify him from running again.
According to legal scholars and critics, Trump’s alleged violation pertains to the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection against the United States or provided aid to its enemies from holding office again. However, Fontes referred to a state Supreme Court ruling from last year, which concluded that the disqualification clause of the Constitution can only be enforced through Congress.
“Does a 25-year-old get to be on the ballot in Arizona for president?” Fontes posed this question to the Arizona Republic. “According to the logic of the Arizona Supreme Court, they do. That having been said, can the Arizona Supreme Court be overturned? If somebody brings a lawsuit? Well, any law can be overturned in a judicial action. Now, I’m not inviting someone to sue me, although it probably will end up happening.”
Despite disagreeing with the state Supreme Court’s ruling, Fontes emphasized that it is his duty as the state’s election chief to abide by it. He further explained that, under state law, even individuals born outside of the U.S. could appear as presidential contenders on the ballot, regardless of their disqualification under the U.S. Constitution.
This ruling emerged following an attempt to block the inclusion of Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and secretary of state candidate Mark Finchem on the 2022 ballot due to their involvement in the Capitol riot, which aimed to obstruct the legal certification of the 2020 election results. While some label the riot as an “insurrection,” no rioters from January 6 have been charged with insurrection.
Interestingly, in New Hampshire, Republicans who oppose Trump are currently pushing for a ban on his candidacy. This sentiment is echoed by other Republicans, such as former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who stated during a recent Republican National Committee debate that Trump is “morally disqualified” following the events of January 6.
“More people are understanding the importance of that, including conservative legal scholars,” Hutchinson asserted. “I’m not going to support somebody who’s been convicted of a serious felony or who is disqualified under our Constitution.”
It is worth noting that Trump has not been convicted of any crimes, although he does face four pending criminal cases in Florida, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and New York.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
