Advisers of Former President Donald J. Trump are preparing to file challenges to the decisions in Colorado and Maine to disqualify him from the Republican primary ballot because of the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. They are expected to file these challenges as soon as Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The challenge to the secretary of state’s decision in Maine will be filed in a state court, while the decision in Colorado will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Thursday, Maine became the second state to keep Mr. Trump off the primary ballot over challenges stemming from Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Maine’s secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, stated, “I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. I fulfilled my duty.”
Mr. Trump has privately expressed concerns that the conservative justices in the Supreme Court may rule against him. His advisers had anticipated the outcome in Maine and had prepared an appeal filing in advance.
The people who have filed ballot challenges generally argue that Mr. Trump incited an insurrection, but he has not been criminally charged with “insurrection.”
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The move in Maine was made unilaterally by Ms. Bellows after challenges were filed. The twin decisions have created an uncertain terrain in the Republican nominating contest. Additional ballot challenges may be filed in other states.
The Colorado and Maine decisions require an additional focus of resources and attention for the Trump team.
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