The Blubber

llinois judge orders Donald Trump to be removed from primary ballot, but gives him time to appeal, per ABC.


A Cook County judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump's name should be removed from the March 19 Republican primary ballot, but the order has been stayed until Friday to allow time for an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Judge Tracie Porter stated in a detailed decision that the Illinois State Board of Elections erred last month in rejecting a petition from five Illinois voters who objected to Trump's candidacy. The objectors argued that Trump's actions related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol constituted an "insurrection" and disqualified him under the 14th Amendment.

Lead attorney for the objectors, Caryn Lederer, praised Judge Porter's decision, stating that it adds to the growing number of courts recognizing and condemning Trump's role in the January 6th attack. Lederer emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, announced that the campaign would appeal the decision, calling it "unconstitutional." He noted that Trump's name would remain on the ballot pending the outcome of the appeal.

The ruling in Illinois coincides with a similar challenge to Trump's candidacy in Colorado, which is currently being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Oral arguments were heard in that case on February 8, but a decision has not yet been issued.

Initially, the objection in Illinois was heard by an administrative hearing officer, retired Republican judge Clark Erickson, who recommended dismissing the complaint. Erickson acknowledged that Trump's actions surrounding the Capitol attack may have constituted an insurrection but stated that such matters were beyond the scope of the Board of Elections' authority.

On January 30, the Board of Elections voted unanimously to dismiss the objection, stating that the objectors had not demonstrated that Trump knowingly made false statements on his Illinois candidacy declaration.