Former President Donald Trump has appealed the decision by Maine Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to remove him from the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot.
Trump’s lawyers argue that Bellows is biased and should have recused herself due to her documented history of prejudging the issue.
They claim that Trump’s political speech was protected by the First Amendment and that Bellows’ decision was based on untrustworthy evidence.
“The secretary should have recused herself due to her bias against President Trump, as demonstrated by a documented history of prior statements prejudging the issue presented,” wrote Trump’s attorneys.
Trump’s attorneys alleged that he was “denied due process by failing to give him adequate time and opportunity to present a defense.”
“As evidence of President Trump’s conduct, the Secretary relied entirely on President Trump’s public speeches. These speeches did not incite insurrection, and therefore President Trump’s political speech was protected by the First Amendment,” wrote the attorneys.
The Maine Republican Party is considering changing to a caucus system to select its Republican presidential nominee to bypass Bellows’ decision.
“We’re fighting Shenna Bellows’ unilateral decision to toss Trump from the Maine ballot on every front and we’re glad this has been appealed. We are preparing for the Supreme Court. The voice of Mainers will be heard despite the dirty partisan tricks being played!” wrote the Maine GOP on X.
“Shenna Bellows needs to go and Donald Trump needs to be restored to the Maine ballot!” they continued.
Bellows stands by her move, stating confidence in her decision and the rule of law.
Trump has faced similar challenges in other states, with mixed results, including a recent decision in Colorado being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“This is part of the process. I have confidence in my decision and confidence in the rule of law. This is Maine’s process and it’s really important that first and foremost every single one of us who serves in government uphold the Constitution and the laws of the state,” said Bellows.
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