Dave Williams, the leader of the Republican Party in Colorado, conveyed to Newsmax this Friday that the initiatives to prevent Donald Trump, the previous president, from featuring on the 2024 ballot utilizing the provisions of the 14th Amendment seems “ridiculous” yet demands vigilance.
“It is simply preposterous,” Williams remarked during his appearance on Newsmax’s “National Report.” “It utterly contradicts the democratic ethos, and it’s glaringly obvious that numerous individuals, particularly those affiliated with the Democratic Party, are fretting about Trump being a formidable contender, and the potential defeat of Joe Biden. Consequently, they are indulging in obstructive tactics during the elections, even seeking assistance from purported Republicans — counterfeit conservatives — to bar a capable nominee from the ballot.”
“This initiative is neither in line with the constitution nor adheres to democratic principles, and the Republican Party will vehemently oppose it,” he further stated.
Earlier in the week, the advocacy organization Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW) initiated legal action with the objective of stopping Trump, who is presently leading the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, from being listed on the Colorado voting sheet.
The organization argues that Trump’s supposed engagement in the January 6, 2021, violation of the U.S. Capitol premises should exclude him from the election roster.
“As someone who has breached the provisions of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, it’s imperative to omit Donald Trump from the ballot, as per the lawsuit launched today by six Republican and independent voters in Colorado, encompassing former representatives from state, federal, and local tiers,” noted the official website of CREW.
Often referred to as the Disqualification Clause, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment restricts any individual who has sworn to “uphold the Constitution of the United States” and subsequently “participated in an insurrection or rebellion against it, or offered assistance or succor to its foes” from occupying a state or federal position.
Trump has repudiated any misconduct linked to the assault on the Capitol and labeled the effort to disbar him via the 14th Amendment as an “intrusion in the electoral process.”
Williams termed the rationale to exclude Trump from the ballot as “utterly absurd” but emphasized its perilous nature.
“This situation is gravely concerning since, if they attain success in Colorado, it might encourage other state secretaries nationwide to endeavor to remove Donald Trump from the ballot, fearing his potential return to the presidency,” he highlighted. “We cannot tolerate this. We cannot permit this, and we are prepared to undertake all necessary steps, including legal actions, to ensure the prevention of any disruptions in our nominee selection process.”
