New Hampshire's Secretary of State, David Scanlon, has confirmed that there are no plans to remove former President Donald Trump's name from the primary ballot.
This statement was made in response to a deluge of calls from Trump supporters, following a series of articles suggesting that Trump should be disqualified from future elections under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Scanlon clarified his position to NBC News, stating, "I am not seeking to remove any names from the presidential primary ballot, and I have not said that I am seeking to remove any names from the presidential primary ballot." He did, however, anticipate challenges to Trump's eligibility to run in New Hampshire, citing the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who has "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against" the United States from holding public office.
The flurry of phone calls to Scanlon's office was reportedly triggered by comments made by conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kirk had criticized a recent wave of articles from The Atlantic, New York Times, and other outlets suggesting that elections are detrimental to democracy and that Trump should be barred from the ballot under the 14th Amendment. This amendment was originally drafted to prevent Confederates from holding political office following the Civil War.
Kirk urged his audience to take action, stating, "number one, we obviously need to sue, and we need to make as much noise as possible." He encouraged listeners, regardless of their location, to contact Scanlon's office, arguing that the issue "impacts everybody."
In the midst of this controversy, Trump-endorsed New Hampshire Senate candidate Corky Messner revealed that he had discussed the 14th Amendment with Scanlon in relation to Trump's eligibility. According to NBC, Messner made a presentation to Scanlon outlining his thoughts on challenging Trump's qualifications. Scanlon responded by stating, "I listened, just as I would listen to anybody that wants to come in with issues related to any candidates qualifications one way or the other."
Scanlon further stated his intention to seek legal advice in preparation for potential challenges to candidate qualifications. He emphasized the importance of responding to such challenges with factual information.
Messner, identifying himself as a "constitutional conservative," expressed his belief that the issue should be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court as swiftly as possible. He reported that Scanlon had indicated a need for judicial guidance before making a decision regarding the 14th Amendment, Section 3, a sentiment with which Messner agreed.
Messner concluded by suggesting that the Supreme Court might rule that Section 3 does not disqualify Trump, a decision he believes would be beneficial for the former President, as it would "clear the air."
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