Secretary of State Weber prioritizes democracy and rule of law
In a recent statement, Secretary of State Weber reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting democratic processes. Despite calls to remove former President Donald Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot, Weber explained that her office had thoroughly examined the legal grounds for such action and determined that the state constitution did not grant her the authority to do so.
Steward of free and fair elections
Secretary of State Weber, as the state’s chief elections officer, emphasized the importance of fair and unbiased elections. In a letter to Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Weber stated that she must prioritize the “sanctity” of democratic elections above partisan politics. She reiterated her commitment to the democratic process and the need to follow established legal procedures.
Response to criticism
Weber responded to criticism from Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, who urged her to explore all legal options for removing Trump from the ballot. Weber defended her team’s efforts, stating that they had exhaustively investigated the legality of such actions. She noted that she had not shared this information with Kounalakis because it had not been requested.
Governor Newsom supports Weber’s decision
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed agreement with Secretary of State Weber’s decision, stating that candidates are defeated at the polls in California. While acknowledging the potential threat posed by Donald Trump, Newsom emphasized the importance of democratic processes and the power of the voters.
Legal battles continue for Trump’s ballot placement
Former President Donald Trump is expected to appeal recent ballot decisions in Colorado and Maine. The Maine Democratic Secretary of State cited the insurrection clause of the Constitution in her attempt to remove Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot. Similarly, a divided Colorado Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s eligibility, claiming that his actions contributed to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The Colorado Republican Party has appealed the decision, temporarily reinstating Trump’s placement on the ballot.
Final decision awaits the U.S. Supreme Court
The ultimate decision regarding Trump’s ballot placement is likely to be made by the U.S. Supreme Court. As the legal battles continue, the fate of Trump’s candidacy in these states hangs in the balance.
