Trump’s exclusion from Colorado ballot lawsuit set to commence.
A Trial to Determine President Trump’s Eligibility for Reelection
A highly anticipated trial is set to begin on October 30th in Colorado, where the court will decide whether the 14th Amendment applies to former President Donald Trump. This crucial decision will determine whether he can be included on the state’s primary ballot as he seeks to run for reelection in 2024.
President Trump and the Colorado Republican State Central Committee have filed motions to dismiss the case, but their attempts were denied. The court has deemed the matter ripe for decision, considering the clear language of the statute and President Trump’s submission of his Major Party Candidate Statement of Intent.
“The Petitioners have alleged that the Secretary is ‘about to’ take an unlawful act because she has publicly stated that she will not exclude Intervenor Trump. This is consistent with public statements that the Secretary welcomes the Court’s direction as well as her Omnibus Response to Motions to Dismiss,” Judge Sarah Wallace wrote on Oct. 20, rejecting the rest of the motions to dismiss the lawsuit.
While the court’s jurisdiction is limited to violations of the state’s election code and not the constitutionality of Colorado’s election law, the trial will provide guidance to election officials on President Trump’s eligibility as a candidate for office.
The Lawsuit and the 14th Amendment
The left-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington group initially filed a lawsuit on behalf of six Republican and unaffiliated voters in Colorado. They argued that Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was illegally keeping President Trump on the state’s primary ballot.
Secretary Griswold responded to the lawsuit by expressing her anticipation for the court’s resolution of the issues and its potential guidance for election officials.
“I look forward to the Colorado Court’s substantive resolution of the issues and am hopeful that this case will provide guidance to election officials on Trump’s eligibility as a candidate for office,” she stated.
The lawsuit revolves around the interpretation of Colorado’s voting law, which lacks clarity regarding eligibility requirements. While some groups have previously argued that President Trump is ineligible for office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, these theories gained little traction. However, recent events, including the Jan. 6, 2021, events, have prompted the resurrection of this theory.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, aimed to protect the rights of former slaves by granting them citizenship and equal protection under the law. Its third section prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrections or rebellions against the United States from holding civil, military, or elected office without two-thirds approval from both chambers of Congress.
State officials being sued have declared that the matter is for the courts to decide. Some states have already dismissed similar lawsuits, while others have acknowledged that only the U.S. Supreme Court can make a final decision on this matter.
Representative Adam Schiff has emphasized that the U.S. Supreme Court holds the authority to determine President Trump’s eligibility, citing the disqualification clause of the 14th Amendment. Legal experts have expressed mixed opinions on this theory, but they generally agree that the final decision rests with the U.S. Supreme Court.
“That’s the big question mark through all this—what will the Supreme Court do? It’s a disqualification from holding office … And it fits Donald Trump to a T,” Rep. Schiff told MSNBC.
While legal scholars debate the disqualification theory, constitutional expert Mike David has denounced it as “bogus and very dangerous.” He warns that any partisan elected official attempting to unilaterally remove President Trump from the ballot would face significant political and legal consequences.
What does the 14th Amendment’s Section 3 state and how is it being applied to President Trump?
Ice in Colorado,” Griswold said in a statement.
The main argument in the lawsuit revolves around the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The plaintiffs claim that President Trump’s role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection disqualifies him from running for office again.
They argue that the 14th Amendment’s Section 3, which states that no person shall hold office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, should be applied to President Trump. The plaintiffs contend that his actions on January 6th meet the criteria for disqualification.
President Trump’s legal team disputes this interpretation and asserts that his actions do not amount to insurrection or rebellion. They argue that the 14th Amendment was never intended to be applied in the context of a political campaign.
The Implications of the Trial
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs and determines that President Trump’s actions constitute insurrection, it could have significant implications for his political future. It would effectively disqualify him from running for any public office, including the presidency, not only in Colorado but also potentially in other states.
On the other hand, if the court rejects the plaintiffs’ arguments and declares that the 14th Amendment does not apply in this case, it would clear the way for President Trump’s inclusion on Colorado’s primary ballot. This would enable him to actively campaign for reelection in the state.
Regardless of the outcome, this trial will provide clarity on the applicability of the 14th Amendment in cases involving political candidates. It will establish important precedent and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the accountability of public officials.
The Importance of the Decision
The court’s decision in this trial will have far-reaching implications for future elections and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. It will set a precedent for how other states handle similar cases regarding the eligibility of political candidates.
Additionally, the trial has garnered significant attention from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters of President Trump argue that he should be allowed to run for reelection, while his critics believe that his actions on January 6th disqualify him from holding any public office.
Ultimately, this trial will determine whether President Trump’s name will appear on Colorado’s primary ballot in 2024. However, its implications go beyond a single state and have the potential to shape the political landscape of the entire country.
Conclusion
The trial set to begin on October 30th in Colorado to determine President Trump’s eligibility for reelection is of significant importance. It will address the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and its application to President Trump’s actions on January 6th.
The court’s decision will not only impact President Trump’s political future but also establish precedent for future cases involving the eligibility of political candidates. It will provide guidance to election officials and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the accountability of public officials in the United States.
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