A liberal nonprofit group known as Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, September 6, aiming to prevent former President Donald Trump from participating in the Colorado primary.
The lawsuit, backed by six Republican and independent voters, leverages the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
This amendment has a clause targeting those who supported an “insurrection,” potentially making Trump ineligible for the higher office. The litigation is groundbreaking, being the first major legal challenge of its kind.
The debate stems from Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, and his perceived support of the Capitol assault on January 6, 2021. Despite these claims, Trump maintains he acted appropriately.
Colorado’s Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, believes this lawsuit will clarify Trump’s eligibility as a presidential candidate. Yet, Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, warns of the dangers in utilizing the 14th Amendment for this purpose, fearing it would further alienate voters.
The 14th Amendment’s clause has been rarely invoked since its introduction after the Civil War, primarily targeting former Confederate officials.
CREW seeks a court decision ahead of Colorado’s primary ballot deadline in January 2024.