Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows disqualified former President Donald Trump from the state’s election ballot, prompting backlash and legislative responses.
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins introduced a bill to disqualify electors in states that remove major party candidates from ballots, while Senator Thom Tillis plans to restrict federal funds for such states.
Bellows’ decision faced criticism from both parties, with Maine Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden opposing the move. (Trending: Democrat Targets U.S. Troops With New Gun Control Law)
Maine voters should decide who wins the election – not a Secretary of State chosen by the Legislature.
The Secretary of State’s decision would deny thousands of Mainers the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, and it should be overturned.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) December 29, 2023
Bellows defended her decision, citing Trump’s alleged incitement of insurrection on January 6, 2021, despite his lack of criminal charges or convictions for the same.
Rep. Clay Higgins wrote, “New law… If any state in our Union blocks the official nominee of a major political party from the Presidential ballot, their electoral slate will not be counted by Congress on the following January 6th.”
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” continued Higgins.
Maine Senator Susan Collins wrote, “Maine voters should decide who wins the election – not a Secretary of State chosen by the Legislature.”
“The Secretary of State’s decision would deny thousands of Mainers the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, and it should be overturned,” she continued.
Rep. Jared Golden posted, “I do not believe he should be re-elected as President of the United States.”
“However, we are a nation of laws, therefore until he is found guilty of the crime of insurrection, he should be allowed on the ballot,” continued the lawmaker.
Senator Thom Tillis said, “This is an egregious abuse of power and why I will be introducing the Constitutional Election Integrity Act as soon as Congress returns to session to stop these partisan officials and ensure any constitutional challenge is only decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
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