FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PA Black Caucus Urges PA Democratic Committee to Disqualify Donald Trump from Future Candidacy

Harrisburg PA — The Pennsylvania Black Caucus, a vital force within the state’s Democratic Party, is calling on the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee to take a bold stance in disqualifying former President Donald Trump from future candidacy. The Caucus asserts that Trump’s actions, specifically his involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection, contravene the very principles upon which our democracy stands.

In a letter addressed to the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee,  concerned members of the Caucus and Co-Sponsors put forward a resolution that underscores the paramount importance of upholding the democratic values of integrity and accountability in the political process. The resolution cites the violent insurrection led by Trump against the United States Capitol as a blatant attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and subvert the foundation of our democracy.

The Caucus argues that such actions render Trump constitutionally ineligible to hold any public office, particularly given the clear implications of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. This constitutional provision, enacted in the aftermath of the Civil War, disqualifies individuals from office if they have previously taken an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and subsequently engage in insurrection, rebellion, or offer aid to the nation’s enemies.

“The events of January 6th demonstrated a disregard for the very values that make our democracy thrive,” said Michael Laws , a Chair of the Pennsylvania Black Caucus. “We believe that it is incumbent upon the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee to ensure that candidates for public office meet the constitutional qualifications and embody the spirit of unity, democracy, and respect for the rule of law.”

The Caucus contends that the responsibility to uphold the constitutional criteria for candidates seeking inclusion on state ballots rests not only with the U.S. Department of Justice, but also with state-level officials, including Secretaries of State. Their independent duty, as outlined in Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, involves safeguarding the sanctity of elections and the democratic process.

The Pennsylvania Black Caucus resolves to advocate strongly for the implementation of the proposed resolution, emphasizing the urgency of accountability, transparency, and unwavering adherence to constitutional principles.

As the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee weighs the implications of this call to action, the Pennsylvania Black Caucus stands committed to ensuring that the values of justice and democracy guide the decisions that shape our state’s political landscape.

For more information, please contact: Michael Keys Secretary Regional Leader Northwest Michaelkeys26@yahoo.com

Subject: Resolution to Disqualify Donald Trump from Running for Office

Dear Chairman Sharif Street,

We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing as  committed members of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party to propose a resolution of paramount significance, addressing the qualifications of candidates for public office. This resolution is particularly pertinent in the wake of the recent events surrounding former President Donald Trump.

Whereas, the foundational principles of democracy, integrity, and accountability form the bedrock of our party’s values, underscoring the vitality of our political processes; and

Whereas, the unprecedented events of January 6, 2021, witnessed former President Donald Trump’s direct incitement and participation in a violent insurrection against the United States, aimed at toppling the Congress and besieging our nation’s Capitol, in a blatant endeavor to subvert the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election; and

Whereas, the actions of former President Trump not only inflicted a grievous wound upon the very essence of our democracy but also cast a dark shadow over his eligibility to hold public office, starkly contravening the constitutional prerequisites for the office of the president; and

Whereas, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Section 3, conceived in the aftermath of the Civil War, eloquently stipulates the disqualification of individuals from public office if they have taken an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and subsequently partake in insurrection, rebellion against the United States, or furnish aid and comfort to its adversaries; and

Whereas, the demonstrable participation of former President Trump in the violent attack on Congress on January 6, 2021, undertaken with the explicit aim of thwarting the certification of the presidential election results, stands as a flagrant violation of his solemn oath of office, thus unavoidably precipitating concerns over his qualification to hold any prospective public office; and

Whereas, the obligation entrusted to Secretaries of State and chief election officials to uphold the constitutional criteria for candidates seeking inclusion on state ballots is unequivocal, as articulated within the very fabric of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment; and

Whereas, it is imperative to note that while the U.S. Department of Justice is tasked with holding former President Trump accountable for the manifold crimes committed in relation to the January 6th insurrection, state-level officials retain an independent duty to champion the principles enshrined within Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment;

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, steadfast in its allegiance to safeguarding our democratic principles, Constitution, and the rule of law, issues a resolute call to Secretaries of State to scrupulously adhere to the law and mandates laid out within the Fourteenth Amendment. This means disqualifying former President Donald Trump from featuring on any forthcoming state ballots, given his grievous violation of his sworn oath of office and the unequivocal ramifications stipulated within Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment; and

Be It Further Resolved that the Pennsylvania Democratic Party is committed to fostering widespread awareness and advocating for the robust enforcement of Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly in the context of any potential candidacy by former President Donald Trump. We emphasize the imperativeness of fostering accountability, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our constitutional principles.

We firmly believe that the endorsement of this resolution underscores our steadfast dedication to the democratic ideals that define our party and signifies a pivotal stride towards upholding the sanctity of our electoral system.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your time, and your meticulous consideration of the values that animate both our party and our nation.

Prime Sponsor PA Dems Black Caucus

Michael Laws  State Committee member  Northampton Chair Black Caucus

Daniel Shakelford State Committee Member  Lehigh CtyTreasurer Black Caucur

Michael Keys State Committee Erie  Cty. County Secretary Black Caucus

Co – Sponsors

Pam Stroman Gibson  Chair Disability Committee

McKenna Long Chair Lycoming County

Traci Baton State Committee Allegheny County

Matt Munsey Chair of Northampton County Democratic Committee