Kirk Bangstad, the proprietor of Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin, has filed a lawsuit aiming to prevent the inclusion of former President Donald Trump on Wisconsin’s Republican primary ballots. The legal action, reminiscent of similar challenges in different states, was disclosed on Saturday, January 6, 2024, by The Gateway Pundit.
Bangstad’s lawsuit contends that Trump should be barred from participating in Wisconsin’s Republican primary elections. This legal challenge stems from Bangstad’s objection to Trump’s presence on the ballot, raising potential legal intricacies surrounding the former president’s eligibility.
At the heart of the lawsuit is Bangstad’s claim that Trump is “ineligible” to hold office due to alleged involvement in an “insurrection,” despite the absence of formal charges or a trial for such a crime. The lawsuit cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, adopted after the Civil War.
Bangstad argues that Trump “continuously lied” about the 2020 election results, linking the former president to legal actions taken against individuals involved in the January 6 protest. Notably, he points to the convictions of two former members of the Proud Boys for seditious conspiracy, attributing their actions to Trump’s influence.
While acknowledging that the 14th Amendment has not been utilized since the Civil War, Bangstad sees it as a valid avenue to challenge Trump’s eligibility. A similar lawsuit in Colorado received a favorable ruling from the state’s Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal in that case, with oral arguments scheduled for February.
The article also highlights the decision by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to block Trump from the Republican primary ballot in her state, prompting Trump to file an appeal against this decision.
The Presidential Preference Selection Committee in Wisconsin, operated by the Republican and Democratic parties, unanimously voted to include seven candidates, including Trump, on the state’s presidential primary ballot in April.
Describing his legal move as a last-ditch effort, Bangstad criticizes both U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Democratic Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul for perceived inaction in not bringing charges against Trump. This ‘hail mary’ move raises concerns about Trump’s eligibility based on allegations of inciting an insurrection.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, takes a contrasting stance, expressing disagreement with the notion of barring Trump from the ballot. Evers advocates for a democratic approach, asserting that the decision should ultimately rest with the voters rather than legal maneuvers.
This dynamic reveals a divergence within Wisconsin’s political landscape, with Bangstad’s legal challenge representing a critical and contested attempt to influence the upcoming elections. The differing viewpoints of key figures like Bangstad and Evers highlight the nuanced debate surrounding Trump’s political participation and the balance between legal scrutiny and democratic decision-making.
