SW Wisconsin News

U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) has expressed strong criticism of the Colorado court's decision to disqualify former President Trump from the ballot, warning of potential disenfranchisement of millions and highlighting Trump's popularity among Republicans in key states such as Wisconsin. Van Orden has called for the justices involved to resign, voicing concerns about the impact of their decision on democratic representation.

In a series of statements, Van Orden vehemently opposed the ruling. He exclaimed, "This is trash!" before going on to argue that "7 justices in the state of Colorado do not get to disenfranchise 336,000,000 Americans". He pointed out that "Trump is the leading Republican candidate & crushing Biden in seven swing states, including Wisconsin". In conclusion, he urged: "These people need to hang up their robes and hang their heads in shame".

NewsMax reports that the Colorado Supreme Court's 4-3 decision disqualified Trump from the state's presidential ballot due to his alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack. This historic judgment could potentially be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling makes Trump the first presidential candidate barred under a provision of the U.S. Constitution which prohibits officials involved in 'insurrection or rebellion' from holding office.

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The same report also reveals that this decision will remain effective until Jan. 4, 2024 but allows for appeals. It impacts Colorado's March 5 Republican primary and may influence Trump's status in the Nov. 5 general election despite Colorado being considered a safe Democratic state by nonpartisan election forecasters. The case was initiated by Colorado voters with support from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and argues for Trump's disqualification based on allegations that he incited the Capitol attack to impede Biden's presidential transition after the 2020 election.

According to AP News, the Colorado Supreme Court expressed the gravity of their decision, stating: "We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach."

Fox News reports that in Wisconsin and 12 other states, including Texas and Nevada, there are pending disqualification lawsuits concerning Trump's appearance on the ballot.