Democrats are being hindered in their efforts to ban Trump from the 2024 ballot by a significant group.
The Effort to Bar Trump from Reclaiming the White House Faces Resistance from Democrats
The attempt to prevent former President Donald Trump from running for the White House again using the 14th Amendment is encountering an unexpected obstacle – Democrats.
Officials in several states are investigating whether Trump should be disqualified from the 2024 ballot due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Section 3 of the amendment prohibits individuals who have previously taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and ”engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof” from holding certain offices.
Democrats Divided on the Validity of the 14th Amendment Argument
While Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) debate the viability of disqualifying Trump under the 14th Amendment, some of the nation’s top Democratic election officials are cautious about pursuing lawsuits.
Last month, activist Robert Davis filed a legal challenge in Michigan to prevent Trump from appearing on the presidential ballot. Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson believes the Supreme Court should handle the matter, stating that it is not appropriate for a state official to have the authority to decide on the ballot push.
In another case targeting Trump’s eligibility, a liberal group called Free Speech For People filed a lawsuit in Minnesota, arguing that his words and actions constituted an insurrection. The same group also filed a lawsuit in Colorado last week.
Democratic Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon emphasized that state courts should handle the case, stating, “We are not the eligibility police. We don’t have investigators. We don’t lie in the bushes with binoculars to determine whether a candidate is really residing where they claim to be for residency purposes.”
Democratic Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold echoed Simon’s concerns, emphasizing that the court should make the determinations.
Republican Presidential Candidate Files Lawsuits Against Trump
John Anthony Castro, a write-in Republican presidential candidate, has filed lawsuits against Trump in several states, including New Mexico, Maine, and Wisconsin.
Democratic New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver referred to state law when asked about handling the lawsuits, stating that they would make a determination based on their understanding of New Mexico law and the requirements to run for office.
The lawsuit in Maine prompted Governor Janet Mills (D-ME) to express skepticism about the legal argument, stating that it is “extraordinary,” but she did not take a position on the matter.
Republican State Officials Defend Trump’s Right to Run
Republican state officials have pushed back against the legal argument, pledging to allow Trump to run in their respective state elections.
Republican New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, responding to a letter from Trump and GOP lawmakers, stated that there is no legal basis in the 14th Amendment argument to disqualify a candidate in the state’s presidential primary.
“There is no mention in New Hampshire state statute that a candidate in a new presidential primary can be disqualified using the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution referencing insurrection or rebellion,” Scanlan said during a news conference.
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