An Illinois Judge Puts Hold on Ruling to Remove Trump from Primary Ballot
An Illinois judge has temporarily halted a ruling that ordered the removal of former President Donald Trump from the Illinois March 19 Republican presidential primary ballot. Cook County Judge Tracie Porter issued the hold in response to Trump’s legal team’s appeal, just hours after ruling that Trump should be disqualified from candidacy under the Constitutional ban on “insurrectionists.”
Putting the Ruling on Hold
Judge Porter stayed her ruling until Friday, stating that the order would be on hold until the appeal process is fully and finally resolved by the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, the Illinois Supreme Court, and/or the U.S. Supreme Court. This means that Trump’s name will remain on the primary ballot for now.
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Reversing the Board of Elections’ Decision
Judge Porter’s ruling overturned a previous decision by the Illinois Board of Elections to keep Trump’s name on the primary ballot. A group of Illinois voters had accused the former president of engaging in insurrection, and by removing his name from the ballot, any votes cast for Trump would be suppressed.
The Argument Against Trump’s Eligibility
The Illinois case is part of a larger effort to remove Trump from primary ballots in multiple states. Those involved argue that Trump is ineligible to run due to a rarely used clause in the 14th Amendment that prohibits individuals who have “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
Trump’s Response
In response to the ruling, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung criticized the judge’s decision, calling it “an unconstitutional ruling.” He also mentioned that the ruling contradicted earlier decisions from other state and federal jurisdictions. The campaign plans to appeal the ruling.
Legal Challenges and Charges
It’s important to note that Trump has not been charged with inciting an insurrection. However, he does face election interference charges in Washington D.C. and Georgia.
Conclusion
The Illinois judge’s ruling to remove Trump from the primary ballot has been temporarily put on hold due to his legal team’s appeal. This decision comes after a group of voters accused Trump of engaging in insurrection. The case is part of a larger effort to disqualify Trump from running for president based on the 14th Amendment. The Trump campaign plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that it is unconstitutional. While this legal battle continues, Trump remains on the Illinois primary ballot.
