USA, Maine also exclude Trump from primaries: the reason and reaction

It had already happened in Colorado. Now, Maine also excludes Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican primaries for the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The decision was made by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who in her ruling declared that the events at the Capitol “occurred with the will, knowledge and support of the outgoing president”, adding: “The Constitution of the United States does not tolerate an attack on the foundations of our government.” According to a spokesperson for his campaign, it appears that the tycoon intends to present a legal objection to prevent the decision from taking effect, a choice described as “atrocious. We are witnessing in real time the attempt to steal a election.” Primaries in Maine and Colorado are scheduled for March 5.

“I am aware that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of voting access under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. However, I am also aware that no presidential candidate has ever engaged in an insurrection,” Bellows added. The 14th Amendment, in Section 3, states that public officials who have sworn to defend the Constitution are barred from future office if they are involved in an “insurrection” or “riot” against the Constitution. The amendment was used against Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his vice president, Alexander Stephens, but has since rarely been used against a White House candidate.

Source: IL Tempo

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