Trump challenges Maine ballot disqualification over Capitol attack role: US Media

Donald Trump has launched an appeal against being barred from Maine's Republican presidential primary ballot next year, following his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. 

The decision, made by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, cited Donald Trump's role in the January 6 incident as grounds for disqualification, preventing him from featuring on the ballot scheduled for March 5.

As the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, Trump has taken the matter to the state's Superior Court, seeking a reversal of Bellows' ruling. His legal team contests the claim that he incited an insurrection and challenges the authority of Bellows to exclude him from the primary ballot.

Former Maine lawmakers advocated for Trump's exclusion, citing a provision in the US Constitution that disallows individuals from holding office if they engage in insurrection after taking an oath to the United States. 

The move echoes various challenges brought against Donald Trump's candidacy under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment by advocacy groups and anti-Trump voters. These challenges stem from allegations that Trump fueled his supporters with false election claims, urging them to storm the Capitol and disrupt Congress's certification of Joe Biden's victory.

The legal battle extends beyond Maine, with Colorado also barring Trump from its primary ballot. The issue is expected to reach the US Supreme Court, potentially offering a nationwide resolution to the questions surrounding Trump's eligibility.

While some similar lawsuits in other states have been dismissed, Trump's campaign condemns these ballot challenges as an "assault on American democracy." 

Despite the legal hurdles, opinion polls indicate Trump's significant lead in the Republican nominating contest, which is set to commence state-by-state on Jan. 15.