Supreme Court Ruling Keeps Trump on Illinois Ballot
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The Supreme Court ruling Monday that former President Donald Trump could not be removed from the ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment also applies to a Cook County decision last week, essentially guaranteeing Trump will remain on the Illinois ballot in two weeks.
“The Supreme Court has spoken on constitutional procedure, but its decision does not address or override the clear facts: Donald Trump supported and incited the Jan. 6th attack on the Capitol,” attorney Caryn Lederer, who argued the case in Cook County, said in a statement.
We reached out to Trump’s Illinois attorney Monday to see if they’ve determined if any Illinois rulings will still be necessary, as the challenge did involve some state laws. We have not heard back.
Governor JB Pritzker, meanwhile, a supporter of President Joe Biden and Trump critic, appeared unfazed by the ruling Monday.
“My view is that we will beat him at the ballot box,” Pritzker said at an unrelated event in Champaign Monday. “There’s no reason why, you know, politically, someone should be thrown off the ballot. We’re gonna win here in Illinois and beat Donald Trump. I think it will help Democrats that he’s on the ballot.”
A stay of the Cook County ruling remains in effect, we’re told, so early and mail votes for Trump still count.