Trump Loses First Bid to Toss Suit Seeking to Block Him from Colorado Ballot
Former President Donald Trump has lost the first of several attempts to throw out a lawsuit that seeks to block him from the 2024 presidential ballot in Colorado.
Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace rejected Trump's bid to get the lawsuit dismissed on free-speech grounds.
The lawsuit is based on the 14th Amendment's prohibition against insurrectionists holding public office.
A trial to determine Trump's eligibility is set for October 30, if the case reaches that stage.
Colorado election officials say there's a "hard deadline" to resolve the dispute before January 5, when the ballot printing process begins for the March 5 Republican primary.
A post-Civil War provision of the 14th Amendment disqualifies American officials who have "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" from future office.
In her ruling, Judge Wallace stated that it is to the benefit of the general public that only constitutionally qualified candidates are placed on the ballot.
This is one of three major challenges against Trump's eligibility for the 2024 ballot.
Similar cases are pending in Minnesota and Michigan.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed the Colorado lawsuit on behalf of a group of Republican and unaffiliated voters in the state.
Legal scholars are split on how the 14th Amendment could be applied to Trump and how the ban would be implemented.
Many expect the Supreme Court to ultimately weigh in on the matter, with the 2024 election approaching.
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