Washington:
The US state of Maine on Thursday barred former President Donald Trump from the Republican presidential primary after its top election official declared him ineligible due to involvement in the attack on the US Capitol in January 2021.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in her ruling that the events of January 6, 2021 “took place at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing President.”
“The United States Constitution will not tolerate an attack on the foundations of our government, and (Maine law) requires me to take action in response,” the ruling said.
Maine joins Colorado, which earlier this month also disqualified Trump from the Republican primary, moves that are sure to be challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The rulings in both states invoked the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which bars from office anyone who had previously sworn to protect the country and later rebelled.
Trump's campaign quickly labeled Bellows' statement as “an attempted theft of the election and disenfranchisement of the American voter.”
“Make no mistake, these partisan efforts to influence the election are a hostile attack on American democracy,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement, accusing President Joe Biden and Democrats of “relying on the power of government institutions to to protect their hold on power. “
Cheung said Trump would appeal the Maine secretary of state's decision.
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