Hearing officer says constitutional challenges should be decided by courts
By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – Former President Donald Trump’s name will remain on the Illinois Republican primary ballot, at least for the time being.

Capitol News Illinois reports the Illinois State Board of Elections voted 8-0 on Tuesday to dismiss an objection to his candidacy based on the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. That clause bars former public officials who take part in an insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding public office again.

A hearing officer in the case agreed that Trump did engage in an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol and should be disqualified. But he said constitutional questions must be decided by courts, not the Board of Elections.

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Feb. 8 in a similar case out of Colorado.