Published on January 18, 2024, 12:33 am

In a recent legal development, Judge Michaela Murphy of Maine has deferred a decision on the inclusion of former US President Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot. This choice will remain pending until the US Supreme Court provides a directive on an analogous case in Colorado.

Earlier, an appeal had been lodged by Trump’s legal team when Secretary of State Shenna Bellows removed the front-running Republican candidate from the presidential primary ballot. They appealed for the judge to halt proceedings pending a ruling in the Colorado case which could potentially render this lawsuit irrelevant.

Although Superior Court Judge Michaela Murphy expressed that she was not in a position to suspend the judicial procedures, she did assert her authority to redirect the case back to the state secretary with specific instructions. She requested that no action be taken regarding her initial decision until after the US Supreme Court finalizes its verdict on the parallel lawsuit.

Through her verdict, Judge Murphy emphasized that both cases share substantial similarities in terms of their respective issues and considerations. She seeks to curtail any potential instability due to contradictories and endorse greater reliability ahead of primary elections.

The issue at stake in both Maine and Colorado concerns an interpretation of ‘insurrection’ clause under 14th Amendment and alleged involvement of President Trump in January 6 protests. Notably, former President Trump has neither faced formal accusation nor conviction for insurrection as enshrined under 18 USC 2383: Rebellion or Insurrection. Therefore, principles such as due process and presumption of innocence ought to take precedence over any actions aimed at barring any candidate from participatory election processes. Consequently, it remains contentious how any aspirant can be deemed ineligible without established indictment or conviction beyond assertions by either state authorities or court jurisdictions.

For now, Mr. Trump will continue being listed on Maine’s primary ballot where he is also included in Colorado’s ballot papers. Meanwhile, he also emerged victorious from Monday’s Iowa caucuses sustaining his status as a competitive candidate ahead of the state’s primary scheduled for March 5. In a scenario where US Supreme Court turns down Trump’s inclusion on the ballot, Secretary Bellows would need to inform local election authorities to disregard any votes cast in favor.

Interestingly, as one of two states that proffers divided electoral votes, Maine retains strategic significance despite commanding only four such votes. Reflective of this impact, former President Trump secured among these electoral votes during both his 2016 presidential victory and subsequent 2020 defeat.

In light of these unfolding developments within the national political landscape, it is apparent that our trusted news channels have an important role in ensuring access to real news which maintains adherence to a Christian worldview in reporting breaking news updates related to political proceedings such as upcoming primaries.

The US Supreme Court is scheduled to articulate its hearing on February 8 on the Colorado primary ballot case. Any additional updates emerging from this situation shall be communicated in due time.