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On Thursday, the chief electoral officer of Maine ruled out the inclusion of ex-President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 primary elections. This decision is grounded in the “insurrectionist ban” clause of the 14th Amendment. Shenna Bellows, the Secretary of State of Maine, has put a temporary hold on this ruling, awaiting the outcome of a possible legal challenge by Trump’s legal representatives.

This action marks Maine as the second state to bar Trump from candidacy following a similar precedent set by Colorado earlier. This decision is seen as a triumph for those opposing Trump, aiming to uphold the 14th Amendment’s intention to safeguard the nation against undemocratic insurrections.

Democrat Shenna Bellows finalized her decision after overseeing a hearing on Trump’s qualification for candidacy. The challenge to Trump’s candidacy was initially put forward by a cross-party group of ex-legislators.

Bellows stated, “The decision was not made lightly. Upholding democracy is of utmost importance… This is the first time a Secretary of State has used the 14th Amendment’s Section Three to restrict presidential ballot access. Yet, we have never before seen a presidential candidate act in insurrection.”

Legal analysts anticipate the U.S. Supreme Court to ultimately resolve this issue nationwide.

Despite this, Maine’s decision adds to the momentum gained by Trump’s opponents following the Colorado verdict. States like Michigan and Minnesota had previously dismissed similar attempts to disqualify Trump.

The 14th Amendment, established post-Civil War, prohibits any official who partakes in an insurrection from holding future office. The amendment’s enforcement mechanism remains unclear.

Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized Bellows, labeling her a “virulent leftist,” and accused her of meddling in the presidential election process.

Bellows defended her decision, emphasizing her constitutional and legal obligations to enforce the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban.

She further explained that evidence presented showed Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection, stating, “Our Constitution does not condone an attack on government foundations.” She concluded that Trump’s persistent false claims of election fraud and his role on January 6 demonstrated his involvement in and support for the insurrection.