AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine political leaders were quick to respond to the news of former President Donald Trump being found guilty by a New York jury of all 34 criminal charges he faced in connection to an alleged hush money scheme.
It marks the first time in American history that a president has been convicted of felony charges. The nearly three dozen criminal charges stem from his role in an attempt to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor, Stormy Daniels, who said the two had sex. Trump, who is running again for president, has doggedly denied the accusations.
Despite the conviction, Trump is still eligible to run for and serve as president of the United States. He would be able to appeal the verdict after the sentencing. According to a report by the Associated Press and TEGNA Digital, his attorneys are said to be working to lay the groundwork for an appeal.
Maine political leaders responded quickly to the verdict, some marking it as a solemn moment in American history and others alleging the trial to be a "farce."
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine
Today in New York City an event took place that was historic: a former President found guilty on felony charges – an incredibly consequential decision after weeks of evidence and testimony. However, the event was also a typical day in courthouses across the country —12 men and women, from all walks of life, coming together to do their civic duty. As we face a world of uncertainties and conflict, the infrastructure of our shared American identity remains sturdy so long as we are vigilant in remembering our founding principles, including equal justice under the law.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine
It is fundamental to our American system of justice that the government prosecutes cases because of alleged criminal conduct regardless of who the defendant happens to be. In this case the opposite has happened. The district attorney, who campaigned on a promise to prosecute Donald Trump, brought these charges precisely because of who the defendant was rather than because of any specified criminal conduct. The political underpinnings of this case further blur the lines between the judicial system and the electoral system, and this verdict likely will be the subject of a protracted appeals process.
Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine
Today marks a solemn and unprecedented moment in American history. A former President — and the leading Republican nominee for President — has been fairly tried by a jury of his peers and convicted on 34 felony counts. This process, and the trials to come, has reaffirmed that no one is above the law. I am grateful for the fortitude and courage of the jurors who spent many long days fulfilling their civic duty. While our country is facing many challenges, now is a moment to have some faith in our democracy and this important exercise of the rule of law.
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine
In this case, former President Trump has had his day in court and has been found guilty by a jury of his peers. I respect the jury’s decision. As to the many questions I’ve received about the politics of this decision, let me say this: As of today, Donald Trump is the Republican candidate for president. I have no doubt that information about this verdict will feature in the campaign. I trust the people of Maine with their votes.
Maine GOP
This trial was clearly a politically motivated farce designed to keep Trump out of the White House. Americans are clearly facing a two-tiered justice system. This Shenna Bellows-style lawfare should be rejected by all Americans. We have elections where people vote for their leaders. We should not have politically motivated and compromised judges and prosecutors running roughshod over our Constitution. It is time for Mainers to realize that the only way out of this mess is to vote Republican this fall.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows:
Shared in response to the Maine GOP statement.
In the United States no one is above the law. When Maine voters brought a challenge to Mr. Trump’s candidacy, following Maine law, I did my duty to follow the law and the Constitution in issuing my decision. The law and the Constitution were what I followed in modifying my decision as well. Justice must always prevail.
Bellows provided a separate statement Friday about Trump's ability to appear on the ballot in Maine:
In accordance with Maine law, I expect the Maine Republican Party to inform the Elections Division of their nominees for President and Vice President following their party’s national convention this summer. For the most part, criminal convictions are not a legal impediment to running for, or holding office (though, for example, candidates for county sheriff in Maine cannot have been convicted of a Class C or higher crime). And it is always good to remember that in Maine, criminal convictions and current or former incarceration status does not disqualify anyone from their right to vote.
