CHICAGO (CBS): A Cook County judge has made a significant ruling regarding the Illinois primary ballot, ordering the removal of former President Donald Trump’s name. However, the decision is on hold until Friday, giving room for a likely appeal. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie R. Porter issued the ruling on Wednesday but delayed its implementation until Friday, anticipating an appeal to the Illinois Appellate or Supreme Court.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, swiftly responded, labeling the ruling as unconstitutional and signaling an imminent appeal. Illinois joins a list of states deliberating Trump’s disqualification due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, raising questions about potential insurrection charges.
The case revolves around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, known as the insurrection clause, which prohibits officials engaged in insurrection from serving in government. This clause, historically dormant, gained attention after the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Trump from its GOP presidential primary ballot.
In January, the Illinois State Board of Elections initially ruled out its authority to remove Trump from the ballot. However, a subsequent judicial approval allowed petitioners to pursue his removal.
The matter now awaits the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, with pending cases regarding Trump’s eligibility and presidential immunity. The court will hear arguments on April 22 regarding potential immunity from prosecution related to the 2020 election interference.
CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller highlighted the significance of the pending Supreme Court decisions, suggesting that the Cook County court’s ruling may become inconsequential depending on the higher court’s verdict. The timeline for the Supreme Court’s ruling remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a swift decision to a more protracted deliberation period.
Key Points of this News
- A Cook County judge has ordered the removal of former President Donald Trump from the Illinois primary ballot.
- The decision is pending appeal, with the judge staying the ruling until Friday.
- Trump’s campaign has swiftly announced plans to appeal, labeling the ruling as unconstitutional.
- The case centers on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits officials engaged in insurrection from serving in government.
- Illinois joins several other states considering disqualifying Trump due to his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on April 22 regarding Trump’s potential immunity from prosecution related to the 2020 election.
- CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller suggests that the Cook County court’s decision may become insignificant depending on the outcome of the pending Supreme Court cases.
- The timeline for the Supreme Court’s ruling remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a swift decision to a prolonged deliberation period.
