At a recent special meeting of the Republican National Convention (RNC), Alabama GOP (ALGOP) chairman John Wahl voted to file an amicus brief in support of former President Donald Trump in legal battles attempting to disqualify him in his presidential run.
Several states recently filed lawsuits to prevent Trump from running in the 2024 presidential election, citing violations of section three of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Section Three of the 14th Amendment reads as follows:
"No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
Under these provisions, several states argue Trump engaged in insurrection and rebellion after claiming the 2020 election was rigged and allegedly attempting to "overturn" the election. Other groups blame Trump for the riots that broke out on Jan. 6, 2021, while the election was being certified.
Colorado has already filed a 14th Amendment challenge, with several states announcing plans to follow suit.
At the RNC meeting, the executive committee voted in favor of filing the brief to support Trump. Wahl was among those on the committee to vote in favor of the proposition.
"Donald Trump has not been indicted, tried or convicted on a charge of insurrection or rebellion," Wahl said. "This is just another outlandish attempt by leftist groups to use our justice system for their own political agenda. I think it's important that the Republican Party take a stand, and I am proud that the RNC is pushing back against this liberal nonsense. Democrats should be more concerned about the issues facing the people of America and how struggling families will be able to make ends meet, instead of trying to misuse the 14th Amendment to disqualify their political rivals."
"This case is far bigger than Donald Trump, it's about political fairness and the constitutional principles that this nation was founded on," he added. "If these organizations are allowed to succeed, the precedent would have the potential to impact all candidates and Americans for generations to come. Under the 5th Amendment, we all have the presumption of innocence, and the misuse of the 14th Amendment could completely undo that basic fundamental right. The original intent of our founding fathers is worth fighting for, and the Republican Party is committed to standing strong on this important issue."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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