Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) expressed her disapproval on Thursday of the Maine secretary of state’s choice to exclude former President Trump from the Maine primary ballot.
She contended that the electorate should not dwell on the January 6 Capitol disturbances and should instead concentrate on casting their ballots.
Shanna Bellows (D), the secretary of state for Maine, determined that Trump’s actions on January 6 violated the “insurrection clause” of the 14th Amendment, which bars from office those who aid in rebellions against the country.
Maine becomes the second state to have Trump’s name removed from their primary ballot, following the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision last week.
Obstructors of justice who have “engaged in insurrection” are precluded from holding public office under the 14th Amendment.
The Colorado court and Bellows agreed that Trump’s conduct in relation to the Capitol disturbances on January 6 falls within the purview of that clause.
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), who holds the belief that the former president is accountable for the Jan. 6 Capitol disturbances, expressed dissent towards Bellows’ decision, contending that Trump should remain on the ballot despite this.
In addition to criticizing the decision, the Trump campaign promised to appeal it.
[READ MORE: Officials in Wisconsin Quash Effort to Strip Trump from Ballot]
