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CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump should be removed from Illinois’ primary ballot but the decision should be left to the courts, a retired judge recommended to the state elections board on Sunday, arguing that it was clear That Trump was engaged in insurrection on January 6, 2021, attack At the US Capitol.
The Illinois State Board of Elections is expected to consider the recommendation on Tuesday. Trump and Citizens Lawyer There is a demand to keep the Republican former President away from voting. Presented his arguments before hearing officer Clark Erickson on Friday. The longtime retired Kankakee County judge is a Republican.
The Illinois effort to keep Trump off the March ballot is similar to efforts filed in several other states. The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the historic Colorado Supreme Court next month ruling To remove Trump from that state’s ballot. The case presents the High Court in the first instance on a provision 14th amendment Prohibiting certain people “involved in the rebellion” from holding public office.
Erikson’s page 21 recommendation Concluded that the “preponderance of evidence” presented proved that Trump was involved in the insurrection.
But he said the elections board could not engage in the “critical and sophisticated constitutional analysis” needed to remove Trump’s name before the March 19 primary.
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He wrote, “Overall, attempting to resolve a constitutional issue within the accelerated schedule of a Board of Elections hearing is somewhat akin to scheduling two-minute rounds between heavyweight boxers in a telephone booth.”
Nevertheless, Erickson said that even if the board disagreed with his reasoning, Trump’s name should be removed from the Illinois primary ballot.
The Board of Elections is evenly divided between four Democrats and four Republicans.
Free Speech for the People, which is leading the Illinois ballot effort, called the Republican retired judge’s recommendation “important” but argued that Illinois law allows the board to make ballot decisions.
Ron Fein, the group’s legal director, said, “We hope the Board and ultimately the Illinois courts will uphold Judge Erickson’s thoughtful analysis of why Trump is disqualified from office, but — with the greatest respect — correct him. That’s why Illinois law authorizes that decision.” , wrote in a statement on Sunday.
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a message left Sunday.
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