Illinois GOP lawmakers respond to judge’s order removing Trump from ballot

Illinois ⁤Judge Removes Trump from GOP Primary Ballot

As ⁣early voting gets underway in Illinois, ‍the state’s GOP primary ‌has already seen votes cast for former President Donald Trump. ⁢However, a Cook ​County judge has now ruled that his name should be taken off the ballot, adding a new twist to the race.

Cook ​County Circuit Court Judge Tracie Porter made the decision to remove Trump ⁤after⁤ a group of voters filed a ⁣lawsuit against the Illinois State Board of Elections. They disagreed with the board’s choice to keep ​Trump on ‌the ballot, citing his alleged involvement in the Capitol insurrection and a ​violation of the 14th Amendment.

State Rep. Chris Miller, a Republican from Oakland, believes that Trump will remain on ​the ballot until the United States Supreme Court resolves the issue. The court‍ is ⁢currently considering a Trump ballot access case from Colorado.

“In the early voting, ⁢people have already cast their votes for Trump in the primary,” Miller stated. “I’m not sure ⁤how ⁢this will be handled.”

Miller also called for Judge Porter’s resignation, accusing her of ‍being a political activist. However, the⁢ judge has ‍put her order‌ on hold until Friday to allow for an appeal, and Trump’s campaign has expressed its intention to appeal quickly.

In⁤ a separate incident, state Rep. Adam Niemerg, a Republican from Dieterich, was ‍removed from the ballot by the state elections board. The board ‌cited Niemerg’s failure to raise his right hand when signing his statement of ⁣candidacy as the reason for his disqualification.

Niemerg expressed his frustration, comparing his situation to Trump’s removal from the ballot. He claimed that both cases involved baseless claims made by radical leftists in Cook County.

Niemerg also accused the Illinois Education Association, the Illinois ⁢Federation of Teachers, and Vermillion County Democrat Chair Mickensy Ellis-White of working together to object to his candidacy.

The Center Square‍ reached out to the Vermillion ⁢County Democrats for comment, but they did not respond immediately.

Another‍ Illinois voter, Beth Findley Smith, objected to President Joe‌ Biden’s nominating papers, arguing that he violated state statute by not using an Illinois-commissioned notary.​ Additionally, a‌ group of voters claimed that Biden’s alleged treason and the 14th Amendment should disqualify him from the ballot.

Despite all objections, the Illinois State Board ​of Elections allowed both Biden and‌ Trump to remain on the primary ballot.

Niemerg voiced his dissatisfaction, stating, “If I am removed ⁢from​ the Illinois ballot,⁢ Joe Biden has ⁤no business being on the Illinois⁤ ballot. The Democrats work with woke special interest groups and target conservatives in Illinois, including myself and our great President Donald Trump.”

Miller and Niemerg also raised concerns about a ‍recent law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that restricts where ‌challenges to ​the constitutionality​ of state statutes can be⁤ filed.

“Didn’t the General Assembly pass a ‍law that‌ limits these cases to Springfield and Cook‍ County?” Miller questioned.

Niemerg confirmed Miller’s statement, adding, “They’re trying to find ways around having cases heard in southern Illinois. We have excellent judges in our area.”

According ⁢to the Republican lawmakers, this new law may prevent voters⁣ from suing the Illinois State Board‍ of Elections over its decision to ⁢keep Biden on the March 19 primary ballot.

‍What are the potential implications of this case for future elections ‍and the‍ role of judges in shaping the democratic process

His situation to that of Trump. “It ‍seems that they’re finding any reason they can to keep Republicans off the ballot,” he said.

These recent developments have highlighted the issues surrounding primary elections and the power of ‍judges in⁢ determining ‌who can participate in ⁣the⁤ democratic process. The decision to remove Trump from the GOP ⁢primary ballot is a controversial one, as it raises questions about the limits of judicial intervention in‍ elections.

Supporters of Judge Porter argue that her decision is justified due to Trump’s alleged involvement in the ​Capitol insurrection and the violation of the 14th Amendment. They believe ⁤that allowing⁣ him to appear on the ballot would undermine the‌ integrity of the election process and send a message that such behavior is acceptable for a candidate seeking public office.

On the other hand, critics see⁤ this as a politically motivated move by a judge who is biased against Trump​ and the Republican Party. They argue that the decision to remove Trump from the ballot not only disenfranchises his supporters but also ⁢sets a dangerous precedent for judicial ‌interference in‌ future elections.

This case echoes similar controversies that have arisen in‍ recent years, where judges have intervened​ in primary elections to remove candidates based on various reasons. While the intention may be to maintain the integrity of the election process, these decisions also invite concerns about judicial overreach and the infringement of individuals’ democratic rights.

The outcome of this ‌case will likely have implications ⁣beyond the Illinois ⁣GOP primary. It ‌will influence the way future election disputes are handled and may shape the criteria for determining candidate eligibility. The Supreme ⁤Court’s decision on the Colorado ballot access case will undoubtedly inform the final ruling on Trump’s removal ​from the Illinois primary​ ballot.

As‌ for the voters ‌who have already cast their⁤ ballots⁢ for Trump,⁢ it remains unclear how their votes will be treated. If the court upholds Judge Porter’s ​decision, those votes may be considered ⁣null and void, raising questions about the fairness‍ of‌ the election ⁤process. However, if Trump’s appeal is⁤ successful, it could result in a significant disruption to the primary and potentially undermine confidence in the⁤ electoral system.

Ultimately, the removal of a candidate from a primary ballot is a serious matter that warrants ​careful consideration. It sets ‍a precedent for the power of⁣ judges in shaping the democratic ‌process and raises important questions about the balance between judicial intervention and democratic rights. The outcome of this ⁤case will⁢ undoubtedly have far-reaching implications ⁣for future elections and the role of judges in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral system.

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