'A win for democracy': Trump supporters rejoice as judge rules he MUST appear on Colorado ballot
DENVER, COLORADO: In a pivotal decision, US District Court Judge Sarah B Wallace upheld the inclusion of Donald Trump's name on Colorado's 2024 presidential primary ballot.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, November 17, mandates the former president's placement on the ballot upon its certification on January 5, 2024. Judge Wallace's verdict defied a legal challenge aiming to disqualify Trump by invoking the 14th Amendment, as per Fox News.
BREAKING 🚨: Democrat Judge Sarah Wallace ORDERS Colorado Secretary of State to place President Trump on the presidential primary ballot dealing a huge blow to Never Trumpers who sought to keep his name off the ballot. Another Trump WIN! pic.twitter.com/25VM4yuYWO
— JoMa (@joma_gc) November 18, 2023
CREW was behind Colorado's legal challenge against Donald Trump
The lawsuit, citing the Disqualifications Clause of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the US from holding office, targeted Donald Trump's alleged involvement in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.
Filed by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and six Colorado voters, the suit aimed to prevent him from securing a place on the ballot. CREW, known for its focus on Republican figures, expressed optimism before the ruling.
Post the decision, Trump's campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, hailed it as a setback for what he labeled as "un-American ballot challenges." He highlighted the defeat of similar 14th Amendment challenges in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
The spokesman condemned these legal maneuvers as desperate attempts by Democrats to sway the upcoming presidential election, asserting the rights of American voters to choose their preferred candidate.
Notably, Trump's legal woes extend beyond ballot challenges as he faces criminal charges, marking the first instance of a former US president confronted with such allegations. The charges stem from investigations into alleged interference in the 2020 election and the Capitol riot.
Who is Sarah B Wallace?
Sarah B Wallace serves as a judge in the Colorado 2nd Judicial District, having taken office on January 10, 2023. Appointed by Governor Jared Polis (D), Wallace filled the vacancy left by Judge Ross Buchanan's retirement.
Her current term extends until 2029.
Wallace noted, "The Court holds there is scant direct evidence regarding whether the Presidency is one of the positions subject to disqualification," in her ruling.
Supporters hail former Donald Trump as ex-POTUS is allowed to be on Colorado primary ballot
After the news of the ruling surfaced, Donald Trump's supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to express jubilation and confidence in his prospects for the 2024 election.
One said, "It’s all backfiring on them and it’s all kinds of glorious. Good conquers Evil," while another affirmed, "Said it from Day One it was never happening."
"The other candidates aren't going to sleep well tonight," quipped a person, as someone else hailed Trump saying, "TRUMP 2024."
"Trump keeps winning," noted one more.
This lawsuit has finished.
— Hallock Inc. (@HallockInc) November 18, 2023
Trump won and can remain on the ballot in Colorado.
A win for democracy. https://t.co/hzjV0kH6RI
It’s all backfiring on them and it’s all kinds of glorious. Good conquers Evil
— Todd Headlee (@ToddHeadleeAZ) November 18, 2023
The other candidates aren't going to sleep well tonight.
— Susan Cleary Rittger (@ClearyRittger) November 18, 2023