Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW), a prominent Washington watchdog organization, has taken a brave step by filing a lawsuit to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the Colorado presidential ballot in 2024.
This legal challenge is based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and asserts that Trump’s involvement in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6 is grounds for disqualification.
CREW Sues to Keep Trump Off 2024 Colorado Ballot
The swift dismissal of this lawsuit by Trump’s legal team represents one of the earliest significant challenges to Trump’s eligibility as a presidential candidate under the 14th Amendment.
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits a person from holding future office if, during a previous term, they engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution or provided aid or comfort to their adversaries unless a vote of two-thirds of Congress grants them amnesty.
Proponents of this argument assert that Trump’s actions following his defeat in the 2020 election, where he sought to overturn the results, fell under the purview of Section 3.
While previous attempts to employ this legal strategy against other Republicans were unsuccessful, CREW was instrumental in removing a county official in New Mexico convicted of trespassing concerning the attack on the Capitol.
Six Colorado voters, including former state, federal, and local officials who are Republicans or political independents, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday.
According to the case, Trump is charged with inciting and aiding the mob that invaded the Capitol two years ago.
Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on allegations related to this incident but acquitted by the Senate.
He has always denied incitement and maintained he did not incite the rioters.
Noah Bookbinder, the president of CREW, stated that the organization filed this lawsuit to defend the republic, saying that it is necessary today and in the future.
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Trump Denounces 14th Amendment Challenge as ‘Election Interference
Donald Trump, who has repeatedly disputed any wrongdoing concerning the attack on the Capitol, referred to efforts to disqualify him under the 14th Amendment as election interference.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, harshly criticized the lawsuit, characterizing it as an absurd conspiracy theory and political attack.
This lawsuit is part of a more significant effort to challenge Trump’s candidacy for the 2024 presidential election based on the 14th Amendment. John Anthony Castro, a write-in candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, has filed 14th Amendment petitions in multiple states.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., acknowledged the brewing legal battle, implying that it will likely be resolved in the courts.
Democrat Jena Griswold, the secretary of state of Colorado, conveyed her hope for a substantive resolution to the case.
Her office highlighted the ambiguity in Colorado law regarding how to evaluate US Constitution requirements when determining a candidate’s eligibility.
Currently, no candidates have qualified for the Colorado presidential primary ballot.
As this lawsuit progresses, it represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over former President Trump’s eligibility to run for office in 2024, highlighting the intersection of law, politics, and constitutional interpretation.
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