Balkinization  

Monday, March 21, 2022

The Second Significant Section Three Case

Gerard N. Magliocca

Today a state lawsuit was filed in New Mexico seeking to oust Couy Griffin, a county commissioner in Otero County, from office. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Griffin participated in the  Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021 and is holding office in violation of Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. Griffin is best known as the leader of "Cowboys for Trump." 

This case begins in a different posture from the suit against Representative Cawthorn. First, the Griffin suit is a quo warranto action that seeks to oust him from office right away. This is not a ballot eligibility challenge, as Griffin is not seeking reelection. Second, Commissioner Griffin is facing criminal charges for his role in the riot. (His bench trial began today.) By contrast, Representative Cawthorn is not facing criminal charges for his role in the riot.

UPDATE: Griffin was convicted today. This will strengthen the Section Three case against him.

 



Comments:

Post a Comment

Older Posts
Newer Posts
Home