Chris Christie says Trump is a ‘martyr’ following Maine ballot ruling
Chris Christie: Maine’s Decision Makes Trump a “Martyr”
Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie criticized Maine’s secretary of state for excluding former President Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballots, claiming it has turned Trump into a “martyr.” The state’s lead election official argued that Trump’s involvement in an insurrection violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment, rendering him ineligible for the presidency. This decision follows a similar ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court.
“It makes him a martyr,” Christie expressed during a CNN interview. “You know, he’s very good at playing ‘Poor me, poor me,’ he’s always complaining. The poor billionaire from New York who’s spending everybody else’s money to pay his legal fees.”
Trump’s campaign plans to appeal both decisions, with expectations of the matter reaching the United States Supreme Court. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, condemned the rulings as an attempt to steal the election and disenfranchise American voters.
Other contenders for the 2024 Republican nomination, including Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, have also voiced their concerns about these ballot exclusions. DeSantis warned that such a ruling could set a dangerous precedent.
“The idea that one bureaucrat in an executive position can simply unilaterally disqualify someone from office — that turns on its head every notion of constitutional due process this country has abided by for over 200 years,” DeSantis argued.
Maine’s decision has faced criticism from the majority of the state’s congressional delegation, and state Republicans have even threatened to impeach Secretary of State Shenna Bellows over her ruling. Bellows expressed her preference for the U.S. Supreme Court to address the issue but stated that state law required her to make a decision on Trump’s ballot access.
Maine election law allows any registered voter to challenge a candidate’s eligibility, prompting the secretary of state to hold a public hearing on the matter. Bellows emphasized that she was duty-bound to follow Maine’s election laws and the Constitution, acknowledging that no secretary of state has ever denied a presidential candidate ballot access based on Section Three of the 14th Amendment.
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What principles of democracy does Chris Christie argue are being violated by Maine’s decision to exclude Trump from the primary ballots?
Last week, which also barred Trump from the state’s primary.
Christie, a staunch ally of Trump throughout his presidency and a potential contender for the 2024 Republican nomination himself, expressed his disappointment with Maine’s decision in an interview with Fox News. He argued that excluding Trump from the primary ballots only strengthens his position among his supporters and elevates him to the status of a “martyr.”
The former New Jersey governor emphasized that the decision to exclude Trump is not only unjust but also goes against the principles of democracy. He asserted that voters should have the right to choose their preferred candidate without interference or manipulation from election officials. Christie believes that excluding Trump only serves to fuel the anger and frustration that led to the Capitol insurrection in the first place.
Maine’s secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, defended her decision by citing Section Three of the 14th Amendment, which states that anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States shall be disqualified from holding any office. She argued that Trump’s involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results, clearly falls under this provision.
Bellows emphasized that her decision was not politically motivated but rather based on a careful examination of the constitutional requirements for holding office. She maintained that it is her duty as the state’s lead election official to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that candidates who are eligible to hold office are the ones appearing on the ballots.
This move by Maine and the previous ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court reflect a larger debate within the Republican Party regarding the future of Trump’s influence. While some Republicans seek to distance themselves from the former president in an effort to move the party forward, others, like Christie, argue that ostracizing Trump will only intensify his influence and potentially fracture the party further.
The exclusion of Trump from primary ballots is not unprecedented. Several states, including New Hampshire and Nevada, have also discussed or implemented similar measures. However, as the 2024 election approaches, the debate over Trump’s eligibility and influence is likely to intensify.
The decision made by Maine’s secretary of state raises questions about the boundaries of eligibility for public office and the role of election officials in determining who can run for president. It also highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges it faces in navigating its future without alienating its base.
As the Republican primary contest continues to take shape, Christie’s criticism of Maine’s decision sheds light on the complexities and political dynamics that will shape the party’s future. The exclusion of Trump from primary ballots, whether justified or not, has undoubtedly made him a controversial figure, further fueling debates and divisions within the Republican Party. The consequences of this decision will likely reverberate throughout the party’s nomination process and potentially impact the future of American politics.
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