I am a Republican who will not vote for Trump. But, Colorado's Supreme Court decision smacks of third world politics where an authoritarian dictator makes their most serious opponent ineligible to run for office. Besides, Trump has never been convicted of insurrection. In fact, the one time he was tried for that - his second impeachment - he was acquitted by the United States Senate.
I take your point, and I know this is how it will be portrayed in right-leaning media. But for what it's worth, the state Supreme Court is not an authoritarian dictator -- it's an appointed-and-elected body that actually does have jurisdiction in this area. The lawsuit was brought by Republicans. The text of the Constitution says nothing about someone being *convicted* of insurrection, and indeed it's been used previously to disqualify people from office.
The Democrats control all the levers of power in Colorado, and the selection of judges is a political process. Power always comes with the temptation to abuse it. Absolute power all the more so. And while I agree with you that the Court is not authoritarian, this is a dangerous step towards it.
I am a Republican who will not vote for Trump. But, Colorado's Supreme Court decision smacks of third world politics where an authoritarian dictator makes their most serious opponent ineligible to run for office. Besides, Trump has never been convicted of insurrection. In fact, the one time he was tried for that - his second impeachment - he was acquitted by the United States Senate.
I take your point, and I know this is how it will be portrayed in right-leaning media. But for what it's worth, the state Supreme Court is not an authoritarian dictator -- it's an appointed-and-elected body that actually does have jurisdiction in this area. The lawsuit was brought by Republicans. The text of the Constitution says nothing about someone being *convicted* of insurrection, and indeed it's been used previously to disqualify people from office.
The Democrats control all the levers of power in Colorado, and the selection of judges is a political process. Power always comes with the temptation to abuse it. Absolute power all the more so. And while I agree with you that the Court is not authoritarian, this is a dangerous step towards it.