In a controversial move, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has decided to include former President Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot for the upcoming election. Despite facing pressure to remove the Republican frontrunner, Weber argued that she must follow the rule of law and allow Trump to participate in the democratic process. Her decision has sparked both support and criticism from various political factions.
Weber acknowledged that she finds Trump’s actions “abhorrent and disturbing and an attack on democracy.” However, she believes that it is her duty to uphold the principles of democracy and abide by the rule of law, even if it means including a candidate she personally disagrees with. “If I believe in this democracy that is there, I have to basically continue to abide by the rule of law, and for me not to do that, then I am no better than Trump,” Weber stated in an interview with The Los Angeles Times.
The decision to allow Trump on the primary ballot followed months of deliberation with state and local officials to determine the legality of removing him. Weber concluded that the state constitution does not grant her the authority to exclude Trump from the ballot. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis had previously urged Weber to explore every legal option to remove Trump, but Weber emphasized that she prioritizes the “sanctity” of democratic elections over partisan politics.
Despite criticism, Weber defended her team’s efforts to investigate the legality of removing Trump and expressed her commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. Gov. Gavin Newsom also supported Weber’s decision, emphasizing that candidates should be defeated through the electoral process rather than through administrative measures. However, the move has faced opposition from some who argue that Trump’s actions during the January 6th insurrection disqualify him from running for office.
Trump is expected to appeal the decisions made by California and Maine, where the Democratic Secretary of State also removed him from the primary ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled that Trump is ineligible to run for the presidency under the Constitution’s insurrection clause, but the Republican Party in Colorado has appealed the decision, putting Trump back on the ballot. The final decision is likely to be made by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In conclusion, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s decision to include Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot despite controversy has generated both support and criticism. Weber defended her choice by emphasizing the importance of following the rule of law and ensuring free and fair elections. However, opponents argue that Trump’s actions during the Capitol attack disqualify him from running for office. The final outcome will depend on the appeals process and the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.
