(Scypre.com) – On Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court cleared the path for Donald J. Trump’s inclusion on the state’s primary ballot, marking a triumph for the former president in a crucial battleground. The court upheld a prior appeals court decision, asserting that Trump’s appearance on the ballot was permissible despite concerns about his eligibility due to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
This development followed a significant ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court on December 19, where a 4-3 decision concluded that Trump should be removed from the state’s 2024 Republican primary ballot, citing his role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the Michigan ruling in a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasizing the need to prevent the 2024 election from being manipulated, similar to his claims about the 2020 election.
Ron Fein, legal director of Free Speech For People, a group seeking to disqualify Trump from the 2024 election, noted that the Michigan Supreme Court ruled narrowly, avoiding the central issues of the case. He suggested that the decision leaves room for future challenges to Trump’s appearance on the general election ballot in Michigan.
The eligibility question surrounding Trump is anticipated to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, with challenges lodged in over 30 states. While some challenges have been dismissed, others remain pending, including in Maine and Oregon.
In Michigan, the dissenting opinion of Justice Elizabeth M. Welch argued for a more detailed ruling on the legal aspects of the case. Welch highlighted that Michigan election law lacks a requirement for political parties to present “qualified” candidates in a primary, unlike Colorado state law.
Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, acknowledged the court’s decision, emphasizing the need for clarity and finality from the U.S. Supreme Court. Benson expressed hope for a swift resolution to ensure an informed and engaged 2024 election season.
The challengers base their arguments on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, asserting that engaging in insurrection against the Constitution disqualifies an individual from holding federal office. A lower-court judge previously ruled in Trump’s favor, considering the issue a political matter rather than a judicial one.
With deadlines approaching for primary ballot printing, the urgency for a conclusive decision is emphasized, especially given the February 27 date for Michigan’s presidential primary.