Ohio Secretary of State is the latest SoS to Join Brief Supporting Trump in Colorado Ballot Case
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has joined a legal brief arguing that former President Donald Trump was wrongfully accused of engaging in an insurrection. The brief is in response to efforts to bar Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot in Colorado under the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment.
A Denver District Court judge rejected the attempt to keep Trump off the ballot, despite acknowledging that he engaged in an insurrection on January 6, 2021. The case has now been appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court, with oral arguments scheduled for December 6.
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits "officers of the United States" from participating in insurrection or rebellion against the country, such as the events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.
The Ohio Secretary of State's Office announced LaRose's inclusion in the court brief, asserting that the lower court should have dismissed the case instead of declaring Trump an "insurrectionist."
LaRose criticized the ruling, stating that it relied on flimsy and circumstantial evidence and represented a case of judicial overreach.
The brief, also signed by the secretaries of state from Wyoming and Missouri, argues that allowing the insurrection ruling to stand could prejudice future defenses against claims of Trump's involvement in an insurrection. The secretaries of state believe that upholding the ruling would set a concerning precedent and encroach upon the fundamental rights of voters.
Despite the judge's decision to allow Trump to remain on the presidential ballot in Colorado, LaRose and the other secretaries of state believe the ruling should have unequivocally dismissed the case instead of acknowledging insurrection. They argue that this finding could hinder Trump's ability to defend himself and potentially undermine the integrity of other states' elections by limiting ballot access.
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The brief also questions the use of the U.S. House Select Committee's January 6th final report as evidence in the case, highlighting concerns about the committee's composition and alleged bias.
LaRose has consistently stated his opposition to any efforts to prevent presidential ballot access in Ohio based on fringe legal theories related to the 14th Amendment.