In a disturbing and politically motivated maneuver, California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has proposed barring former President Donald Trump from the 2024 state ballots, mimicking a controversial decision by the Colorado Supreme Court.
This move, a clear demonstration of judicial overreach, undermines the democratic process, especially since Trump has not been convicted of any crime relevant to the ruling.
The Colorado court ruled that Trump was ineligible for Colorado’s ballots due to his alleged role in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, a decision that dangerously stretches the Fourteenth Amendment to serve political ends.
Kounalakis, aspiring to the California governorship in 2026, wrote to Secretary of State Shirley Weber, urging California to follow suit.
She stated, “This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy.”
Clearly trying to volley herself into the political limelight, Kounalakis seems to have overlooked that Trump has never gone to trial, let alone been convicted of any crime of insurrection.
Additionally, Kounalakis showed her amateur status in this realm by not verifying the facts of her original letter to hit the internet which completely misrepresented the age qualification of becoming president as reported by Fox News.
She declared, “The constitution is clear: you must be 40 years old and not be an insurrectionist.” The actual minimum age requirement to become president is 35. The original letter was taken down and corrected.
The Colorado ruling, decided with a 4-3 split and currently stayed pending appeal, has ignited significant controversy.
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The majority of the court stated, “We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”
Despite these words, the decision reeks of partisanship, using legal technicalities to disenfranchise a political figure.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, aligning with the court’s position, stated, “The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is barred from the Colorado ballot for inciting the January 6 insurrection and attempting to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. This decision may be appealed.”
This ruling is part of a broader legal campaign to disqualify Trump in multiple states in an attempt to use, or misuse as the case may be, the Fourteenth Amendment’s provisions in a manner that seems more about political expediency than upholding the Constitution.
While Kounalakis is merely making a political play utilizing “monkey see, monkey do” tactics, the fact that this is an issue at all should raise the hairs on every American’s back.
It is highly speculated that the US Supreme Court will hear this case and relatively quickly. Many even predict a 9-0 ruling in favor of Trump.
The case has also created what is sure to be an unwelcome backlash for Biden with many prominent conservatives calling for his same treatment, namely having his name removed from the ballot over his mishandling of the southern US border.
Democrats are going after Trump with everything they’ve got, raising critical questions about the integrity of our democratic institutions and the sanctity of the electoral process.
Democracy is genuinely on the line here.
RELATED: CO Ballot Exclusion of Trump Backfiring: Key Players Calling for Biden to Be Removed Over Border
