Maine Secretary of State Decides to Limit Trump’s Candidates
Court “uncertain legal environment”… Suspended until Supreme Court ruling
Trump “the right move”… Federal Supreme Court, arguments on February 8th
The court put the brakes on authorities in the U.S. state of Maine restricting former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to run for president.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 17th (local time), a Maine court suspended Maine Secretary of State Shena Bellos’ decision to exclude former President Trump’s name from the Republican presidential primary ballot.
Judge Michaela Murphy said, “Secretary Bellos faced an uncertain legal environment when he issued the order,” and ruled that whatever decision the Supreme Court makes, “she must be provided with the opportunity to evaluate the effect and application of the ruling.”
At the same time, the order restricting former President Trump’s candidacy was suspended until the Federal Supreme Court ruling, and the related decision was to be modified, withdrawn, or maintained within 30 days after the Supreme Court ruling.
This ruling increases the possibility that former President Trump will run in the Maine Republican primary scheduled for March 5.
Previously, on the 28th of last month, Minister Bellos ordered that he could not run in the primary in Maine, citing the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that restricted former President Trump’s candidacy.
This follows a petition from some Maine voters opposing former President Trump’s candidacy, who argued that former President Trump is not qualified to hold public office as he incited the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, causing a rebellion.
Minister Bellos said, “Former President Trump incited his supporters to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election, and in the process used fake news about election fraud,” and judged him unfit to serve as president and participate in the Maine primary. . Secretary Bellos is a member of the Democratic Party.
Former President Trump’s lawyers filed an objection in court, saying, “Secretary Bellos does not have the legal authority to consider federal constitutional issues (relating to candidacy) and this decision is the product of a process infected with bias.”
Former President Trump welcomed the court’s decision in a statement today, calling it “the right move.”
Meanwhile, the Colorado case has been decided to be heard at the Federal Supreme Court following an appeal from former President Trump, and arguments are scheduled for the 8th of next month.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.