Maine secretary of state removes Trump from 2024 primary ballot

In the wake of former President Donald Trump being taken off the Colorado GOP primary ballot next year (and being added back), other states seem keen to try the same maneuver.

According to Newsmax, Maine is the latest state to trample American democracy after its Democratic secretary of state decided -- against the will of the people -- that Trump should not be allowed on the ballot due to the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Maine's secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, is the first election official to take unilateral action in removing Trump from the ballot.

"I do not reach this conclusion lightly," Bellows wrote in her decision.

She added, "I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection."

The Colorado version required a vote from the state's Supreme Court. While insane, it's at least a measure better than one individual deciding the legal interpretation of the Constitution and how it's applied in this scenario.

Newsmax explained:

The decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows follows a ruling earlier this month by the Colorado Supreme Court that booted Trump from the ballot there under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. That decision has been stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether Trump is barred by the Civil War-era provision, which prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.

Trump and his attorneys immediately announced an appeal would be filed in Maine to counter the decision. Bellows stayed the ruling until the courts determine an outcome.

Regardless of what state and federal courts do, most believe the final decision will rest with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bellows, hilariously, did the media circuit and claimed that her personal political views had nothing to do with the decision to remove Trump from the ballot.

Not only is that likely a falsehood, but it's also clear that she's really enjoying the instant media attention over the past few days, which otherwise she probably doesn't come by too easily.

"Democrat Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on her decision to unilaterally disqualify former President Trump from the state's ballot: "My political affiliation, my personal views ... had no bearing on my decision," the RNC Research X account posted.

Democrat Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on her decision to unilaterally disqualify former President Trump from the state's ballot: "My political affiliation, my personal views ... had no bearing on my decision" 🤡 pic.twitter.com/thsZvAtHYv

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 30, 2023

The account posted several pictures of Bellows smiling with glee while taking selfies with both Barack Obama and President Joe Biden, captioning them with, "Politics definitely 'had no bearing.'"