A bold move, Maine has blocked Donald Trump from its 2024 primary ballot. The decision, announced by Democrat Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on December 29, 2023, stems from an alleged violation of the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause related to the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021.
Bellows rejected Trump’s legal team’s request for her recusal, asserting her decision’s impartiality, despite challenges to the former president’s eligibility. Trump’s team argued bias, pointing to Bellows’ prior stance on the events of January 6.
Legal turmoil surrounds Trump’s 2024 eligibility, echoing similar cases in states like Michigan and Colorado, where Trump was initially removed but later temporarily reinstated on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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The core issue revolves around the interpretation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, designed to bar officials who supported the Confederacy post-Civil War from public office.
The Colorado GOP, challenging Trump’s removal, argues that the state overstepped its authority, impeding the party’s candidate selection based on a subjective claim of insurrection.
With the Maine GOP primary set for March 5, the clock is ticking for potential objections or appeals to Bellows’ decision. Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, vows to file a legal objection to prevent what they deem an atrocious decision.
As legal battles unfold nationwide, Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 primary remains uncertain, promising further developments in the days ahead.
