Advocacy Group Files Lawsuit to Block Trump from 2024 Republican Primary Ballot in Colorado
A Washington-based advocacy group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), has taken legal action to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 Republican primary ballot in Colorado. The lawsuit argues that Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol falls under the 14th Amendment’s ban on insurrectionists holding public office. This legal strategy has gained support from both liberal and conservative legal scholars in recent weeks.
Using the 14th Amendment to Derail Trump’s Presidential Campaign
The lawsuit filed by CREW is the first high-profile case seeking to utilize the 14th Amendment as a means of obstructing Trump’s bid for the presidency. The 14th Amendment disqualifies any American official who participated in insurrection or rebellion or provided assistance to insurrectionists from holding future office. While the Constitution does not outline the enforcement of this ban explicitly, it has been applied only twice since the late 1800s. The amendment was primarily used against former Confederates.
Colorado Chosen as the First Stop in Legal Battle
CREW chose Colorado as the initial battleground for this legal fight due to its early position in the primaries, courageous plaintiffs, and favorable laws. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of six Colorado voters, including former Republican Representative Claudine Schneider and former Colorado Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, aims to disqualify Trump under the 14th Amendment. CREW has previously achieved success with a similar legal mechanism, resulting in the removal of a convicted January 6 rioter who also held elected office in New Mexico.
Seeking an Order to Disqualify Trump and Bar Access to the Ballot
In the lawsuit, CREW has demanded that the court issue an order declaring Trump disqualified under the Fourteenth Amendment. Additionally, they seek to prevent Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold from taking any action that would allow Trump to access the ballot. The lawsuit argues that Trump’s participation in the insurrection against the Constitution disqualifies him under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, as he had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution during his presidency.
Colorado Secretary of State Welcomes Legal Guidance
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, has expressed her belief that state law is unclear regarding the review of constitutional requirements for candidate eligibility. Griswold sees the newly filed lawsuit as an opportunity for the Colorado Court to provide crucial legal guidance to election officials on Trump’s eligibility as a candidate for office.
Impending Trial and Supreme Court Involvement
The GOP primary in Colorado is scheduled for March 5, which coincides with Super Tuesday. Trump’s federal criminal trial, relating to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, is set to commence on March 4. It is expected that the Supreme Court will ultimately weigh in on the matter of how the 14th Amendment could be applied to Trump and the implementation of the ban, considering the constitutional uncertainties. Legal scholars remain divided on these issues.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-07 03:20:00
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