Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley weighs in after Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows claimed that she is prohibited under the 14th Amendment from putting former President Donald Trump on the ballot. A Wyoming district court judge dismissed a lawsuit aiming to remove former President Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis from election ballots, sparking celebration from Wyoming Republican Secretary of State Chuck Gray.
In a press release, Gray expressed his satisfaction with Judge Westby’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that he has been working to ensure that Donald Trump can be on the ballot. Gray emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of elections and allowing the people of Wyoming to choose their representatives.
The lawsuit, filed by retired lawyer Tim Newcomb, argued that Trump and Lummis are “traitors” under a clause in the 14th Amendment due to the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol. Newcomb also called on Gray to resign and apologize to the court and its staff personnel.
Gray dismissed Newcomb’s claims, describing them as the “ravings of a radical left-wing mad man” and an attempt at election interference. Newcomb further claimed that the presiding judge could face death threats if she ruled in his favor.
Senator Cynthia Lummis also celebrated the dismissal, stating that efforts to remove candidates from the ballot undermine the integrity of elections and the freedom of voters. She emphasized that elections in Wyoming are decided by the people of the state.
The article mentions that other states are involved in legal battles over whether to remove Trump’s name from the ballot. Gray has actively fought against such efforts and filed an amicus curiae brief with the Colorado Supreme Court to rectify a lower court’s labeling of Trump as an “insurrectionist” in relation to the events of January 6.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled to bar Trump from the ballot, arguing that he “incited and encouraged” violence to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. Trump has appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Colorado Supreme Court has no authority to deny him a place on the ballot.
Maine has also barred Trump from the ballot, and he is currently appealing this decision in state court. Similar efforts are underway in states like Illinois, Oregon, and Massachusetts to remove Trump’s name.
Overall, the dismissal of the lawsuit in Wyoming is seen as a victory for Republicans and supporters of Trump. It highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump’s eligibility for future elections and the efforts to remove his name from the ballot in various states.
