Maine’s Unprecedented Move as Trump is Ousted from 2024 Ballot in Constitution Clash
Shared By Peter Boykin – American Political Commentator / Citizen Journalist / Political Candidate
Trump Toppled From Maine Ballot in Scathing Decision
Maine’s Unprecedented Move as Trump is Ousted from 2024 Ballot in Constitution Clash
In a startling and unprecedented decision, Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has barred former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot. The ruling, outlined in a robust 34-page document, invokes the Constitution’s insurrection clause, asserting that the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol was orchestrated by Trump himself.
Bellows, in a bold move, declared that the U.S. Constitution “does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government,” citing Section 336 of state law, which outlines candidate requirements in Maine. The decision hinges on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals from running for office if they have “engaged in insurrection” or supported those who have.
According to Bellows, challengers to Trump’s candidacy presented ample evidence debunking Trump’s qualifications for the presidency. She emphatically stated, “I find that the primary petition of Mr. Trump is invalid,” while acknowledging the possibility of a pause pending a Trump team appeal in state court.
This move by Bellows makes her the first election official to unilaterally take action with potential repercussions in the Electoral College, considering Maine’s significance in the 2020 election.
The decision mirrors a recent ruling in Colorado that ejected Trump from the ballot under the same constitutional provision. The Colorado Republican Party has already sought U.S. Supreme Court intervention to overturn that decision.
Bellows’ decision isn’t taken lightly, as she underlines the sacredness of democracy. She states, “no right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Notably, she highlights that no Secretary of State has previously denied a presidential candidate ballot access under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Trump’s legal team, in an attempt to challenge Bellows’ impartiality, asked her to disqualify herself, pointing to biased tweets. The decision, arriving one day after this request, raises questions about the potential impact on the broader legal battle surrounding Trump’s eligibility.
As Maine’s Secretary of State and the U.S. Supreme Court loom as final arbiters in this constitutional clash, the unfolding drama is poised to shape the narrative of Trump’s political future.
[Source: MSN]
Contributions by The Associated Press have been instrumental in piecing together this report.
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