PORTLAND, Maine — Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said it is possible former President Donald Trump could remain on the ballot, pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine Friday, Bellows said her ruling last week to disqualify Trump from the March primary ballot does not go into effect until a decision is made by the Maine Superior Court.
"I support suspending the effect of my decision through the entire appeals process," Bellow said.
Trump's lawyers appealed Bellows' ruling, as expected, to the superior court Wednesday and called her a "biased decisionmaker."
Bellows, a Democrat, stood by her decision Friday, claiming state law required her to make a quick determination following challenges by five Maine voters.
She ultimately found Trump violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment for his role in the capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021. That provision of the U.S. Constitution prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.
"I think it's important for people to realize that the law Maine election law provides for this possibility, that we can await determination by the U.S. Supreme Court even if it comes too late for the printing of the ballots," Bellows said.
The Superior Court is required to issue a ruling by Jan. 17. According to Bellows, the deadline for military and overseas ballots is Jan. 20. If it is appealed to the Maine Supreme Court, justices have 14 days to rule.
Because of that timeline and the uncertainty of when the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the case, Bellows said she and her team of "seasoned election workers" will likely keep Trump's name on the ballot.
"Maine can't place a deadline on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to act," Bellows said. "So, certainly that decision could come too close to March 5, which is our presidential primary."
Bellows noted there are procedures in the event a court ruling ultimately disqualifies Trump before results are tallied, as with if any candidate is disqualified or passes away.
In the last week, she and her staff have faced numerous threats. Republicans in the state legislature are calling for impeachment. She has even been issued a security detail.
"It's unprecedented, and honestly it's been hard sometimes," Bellows said.
When asked why she went through with her ruling amid the controversy, Bellows was adamant her decision was not politically motivated, it was her duty.
"Because the Constitution is the foundation of our country, and I'm required by law to review the qualifications of every candidate," Bellows said.
You can watch Bellows' interview on this week's Political Brew Sunday morning on-air or any time on NEWS CENTER Maine Plus.