(PatriotNewsDaily.com) – The Secretary of State for Arizona, Adrian Fontes, a member of the Democratic Party, has communicated his position concerning former President Donald Trump’s potential inclusion on the state’s ballot in the upcoming year. He clarified that as it stands, he doesn’t possess the power to prevent Trump from being listed. Yet, Fontes also signaled that there remains ambiguity surrounding the issue, suggesting the door isn’t entirely closed on Trump’s disqualification.
During a conversation on AZCentral.com’s podcast, “The Gaggle,” Fontes delved deep into the intricacies of the 14th Amendment. This amendment is of particular significance as it prohibits any presidential candidate who has been involved in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office. Relating this to an Arizona Supreme Court verdict, Fontes highlighted that the court believes the enforcement of what’s known as the Disqualification Clause falls under the jurisdiction of Congress, rather than state entities.
Elaborating on the court’s perspective, Fontes explained, “The stance of the Arizona Supreme Court is rooted in the absence of a federally-defined mechanism to implement Section 3 of the 14th amendment. This essentially means that without such a process at the federal level, the enforcement at the state level becomes questionable.”
While Fontes was transparent about his disagreement with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, calling it “erroneous,” he simultaneously underscored his unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law. He articulated, “My primary responsibility is to ensure compliance with Arizona’s established laws. My personal opinions or disagreements are secondary and do not influence my official duties.”
In a subsequent interaction, as documented by AZCentral, Fontes broadened the discourse, suggesting that the conversation about Trump’s eligibility might not be as straightforward as it appears. He remarked that while the possibility of barring Trump from seeking and holding any public office remains “under consideration,” it’s essential to recognize that “Arizona law isn’t the only player in this arena.” His statement hinted at the potential for forthcoming challenges or alternate interpretations of the Disqualification Clause.
Copyright 2023, PatriotNewsDaily.com
