In a notable turn of events within Illinois’s political landscape, retired Republican judge Clark Erickson has put forth a proposal to exclude former President Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot. This proposition stems from claims of Trump’s involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, which Erickson contends amounted to an insurrection.
Serving as a hearing officer addressing concerns about Trump’s eligibility raised by voters, Erickson, a respected former Kankakee County Judge, presented a 21-page report to the Illinois State Officers Electoral Board. Comprising an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, the board is set to review Erickson’s recommendation.
In his report, Erickson determined that the evidence overwhelmingly suggests Trump partook in insurrection. However, he acknowledged the board’s potential limitations in addressing such a complex constitutional matter. “It’s beyond the scope of the election board to undertake an extensive and detailed constitutional assessment,” Erickson remarked, comparing the task to an impractical and constrained confrontation.
Nevertheless, Erickson held firm in his view that Trump’s name should be removed from the Illinois primary ballot, irrespective of the board’s agreement with his legal reasoning. His recommendation garnered approval from Free Speech for People, a key organization in the Illinois ballot initiative. Their legal director, Ron Fein, commended Erickson’s assessment and posited that Illinois law empowers the board to make this crucial ballot determination.
The unfolding situation in Illinois mirrors similar actions in various states, aiming to challenge Trump’s eligibility under the 14th Amendment’s clause against public office for individuals involved in insurrection. The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on a related ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court soon.
Fox News Digital reached out to Trump’s campaign for an official statement but has not received a response as of yet. Erickson’s recommendation introduces a new facet to the ongoing discussions about Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riot and his continued influence in U.S. political discourse.