Republicans Challenge Colorado Court’s Decision Banning Trump from Ballot

The Colorado Republican Party is appealing the state supreme court’s decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the presidential race.

A high-stakes legal dispute concerning the meaning of a constitutional clause that prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from entering public office may result from this appeal.

The 155-year-old constitutional provision, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, designed post-Civil War, aims to prevent former Confederates from re-entering government. It prohibits anyone who took an oath to “support” the constitution and later “engaged in insurrection” from holding public office. The Colorado high court applied this provision to Trump following his role in the January 6th, 2021, Capitol attack.

Until January 4th, shortly before the state’s primary ballot deadline, or until the US Supreme Court issues a decision, the Colorado Republican Party’s appeal has temporarily suspended the ruling. At the federal level, Trump intends to appeal the verdict.

While Trump’s absence from Colorado’s ballot may have limited impact on the Electoral College, it could set a precedent for similar actions in crucial states. Over a dozen states, including Colorado, have primaries scheduled for Super Tuesday on March 5th. No court or election official has supported the numerous lawsuits attempting to disqualify Trump under Section 3.

The US Supreme Court is anticipated to address the case, with the timeline becoming crucial. Plaintiffs seeking Trump’s disqualification in Colorado aim for an expedited process due to the upcoming primaries. The party’s lawyers argue that upholding the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision could empower any voter to sue and disqualify candidates, creating uncertainty in future elections.

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