A Shift in Strategy
California Democrats, once known for their fierce opposition to former President Donald Trump, are now divided over whether to take action to keep him off the ballot in the upcoming election. During Trump's presidency, Democrats in the state were united in their efforts to obstruct his administration, even passing a law that would have disqualified him from the 2020 ballot. However, with voting rights and defending democracy now at the forefront, the issue of removing Trump from the ballot has become more complex.
Colorado and Maine Take the Lead
While California Democrats remain divided, other blue states like Colorado and Maine have emerged as leaders in the movement to disqualify Trump from running. Last week, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible to run for president due to his role in the January 6 insurrection. This decision prompted Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis to urge California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to explore legal options to remove Trump from the ballot. However, the response from fellow Democrats was lukewarm.
A Different Approach
California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the idea of removing Trump from the ballot as a "political distraction," emphasizing that candidates are defeated at the polls in California. Weber, on the other hand, responded to Kounalakis in a letter, stating that any challenges to Trump's eligibility should be resolved by the courts. The back-and-forth between Democrats highlights the differing opinions on how to handle the issue.
Support from Within the Party
Despite the division among California Democrats, there are those within the party who support efforts to bar Trump from running on constitutional grounds. Assemblymember Evan Low and State Sen. Dave Min have both taken action to challenge Trump's eligibility. Low sent a letter to Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging him to expedite a ruling on Trump's eligibility, while Min proposed a bill that would allow Californians to sue to block ineligible candidates from the ballot.
A Change in Dynamics
During Trump's presidency, California positioned itself as his primary adversary, with Democrats vowing to be the "keeper of the nation's future." The state introduced numerous anti-Trump measures, including lawsuits and legislation aimed at protecting state laws and regulations. However, the current debate over removing Trump from the ballot marks a shift in strategy. Instead of provoking confrontation, California Democrats are now considering the legal implications and waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the matter.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the differing opinions within the party, California Democrats are confident that the voters will ultimately reject Trump's politics in the upcoming election. Progressive Rep. Barbara Lee stated that everyone, including Trump, deserves their day in court, and expressed faith in the voters to reject Trump's divisive politics.
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By: Melanie Mason and Dustin Gardiner
Title: California Democrats Divided on Removing Trump from the Ballot
Sourced From: www.politico.com/news/2023/12/29/california-trump-ballot-fight-00133340
Published Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2023 17:34:21 EST
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