Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Behind Lawsuit
In a landmark ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court has decided to remove former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot. The court argued that Trump is “disqualified” from holding the office of president under section 3 of the 14th Amendment due to his alleged role in the events of January 6, 2021.
CREW’s Involvement and Alleged Partisanship
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a self-identified “nonpartisan” watchdog group, brought the lawsuit against Trump on behalf of six Republican and unaffiliated Colorado voters. However, CREW’s leaders have a history of supporting President Joe Biden, with donations totaling thousands of dollars. Despite its claims of nonpartisanship, CREW has long been viewed as a left-leaning organization.
Procedural Concerns and Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court
The court’s decision, with a vote of 4 to 3, has raised concerns about procedural due process and the potential for chaos in the country. Justice Carlos Samour, one of the dissenting voices, emphasized the need for proper procedures before disqualifying an individual from holding public office. Trump’s campaign has vowed to appeal the Colorado court’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, with many observers predicting a reversal of the ruling.
Implications for Democracy
The ruling has significant implications for democracy, as it sets a precedent for disqualifying individuals based on their alleged involvement in insurrection or rebellion. Supporters of the decision argue that it upholds the principles of the 14th Amendment, while critics warn of the potential for partisan manipulation and the infringement of constitutional rights.
Next Steps and Future Developments
CREW President Noah Bookbinder celebrated the victory and stated that this is a monumental moment for democracy. Trump’s campaign will move swiftly to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the final decision will ultimately be made. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for future elections and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment.