California Senate passes bill that would keep Trump off 2020 ballot unless he releases tax returns
Source: The Hill
he California state Senate on Thursday approved a bill to require candidates appearing on the presidential primary ballot including President Trump to release five years' worth of income tax returns.
The measure was approved in a 27-10 vote, according to The Associated Press. California, for the first time, will be one of the first states to hold its presidential primary in the 2020 cycle.
The bill is a response to Trump's insistence that he will not release his tax returns as presidential candidates traditionally have done, claiming he is under audit. If the bill becomes law and Trump does not release his returns, he may not appear on the California primary ballot.
"We believe that President Trump, if he truly doesnt have anything to hide, should step up and release his tax returns, said state Sen. Mike McGuire (D) who co-authored the bill, according to the AP.
Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/441908-california-senate-passes-bill-that-would-keep-trump-off-2020-ballot
I believe several states so far have done this.
LiberalFighter
(51,399 posts)thesquanderer
(12,002 posts)What CA does doesn't matter, he's not getting those electoral votes anyway.
Volaris
(10,281 posts)He could sign medicare for all and he's not gonna win Cali, so this is good only in that it sets an example .
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)But given the cult-like mentality of his base, I don't think that is going to be a problem for him.
krispos42
(49,445 posts)...if the biggest Republican isn't on the ballot. And it will affect down-ticket races as a result.
Dems should pick up more seats in state, county, and local races as a result.
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)CousinIT
(9,278 posts)Fiendish Thingy
(15,720 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Trump won't win CA, anyway, so he may not care. But it sets a precedent, so they sort of have to fight it.
Fiendish Thingy
(15,720 posts)Although the GOP is already putting the fix in so the voters won't actually be picking the nominee.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Whether it applies to primaries or just the general election. After all, a "candidate" for the Presidency is one who has won the nomination in the primary.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)Then it will most likely be tied up in court until after the election so Trump will be allowed to run.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)ginnyinWI
(17,276 posts)He can't stand to be a loser. Or to be insulted. LOL
Cha
(298,139 posts)sheshe2
(84,101 posts)babylonsister
(171,113 posts)Gregory Peccary
(490 posts)But future Ratfinks
skylucy
(3,749 posts)congressional seats in 2020.
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)msongs
(67,509 posts)Volaris
(10,281 posts)ancianita
(36,240 posts)Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia
Yep, they could definitely do some damage to congressional Republican votes.
Volaris
(10,281 posts)mahina
(17,778 posts)Nt
MichMan
(12,002 posts)I don't understand why those states only require tax returns from the presidential candidates only ?
The law should apply to EVERYONE on the ballot from county clerks, state senators & representatives, state AG, governors, federal representatives & senators, and judges. After all, if they have nothing to hide...
still_one
(92,551 posts)argument regarding everyone should be required could be used as an argument
pangaia
(24,324 posts)start refusing to let dems on a ballet unless... something....
robbob
(3,546 posts)I can just picture the ginned up outrage this move will provoke. Not sure this is a good idea...
BlueStater
(7,596 posts)Let those dipshits throw a temper tantrum.
robbob
(3,546 posts)There has been plenty of talk about borderline trumpers who are becoming disillusioned and might sit the next one out. If California and other reliably blue states pass laws barring tRump from appearing on the ballot (which, face it, is a purely symbolic gesture in such a solidly Democrat state), the noise machine will start stirring up the apathetic by telling them the deep state is conspiring against their guy. It could back fire by creating a wave of sympathy support for someone who clearly doesnt deserve any.
madville
(7,413 posts)Same idea, I don't think it will hold up in court myself. Divorce records, school records, birth certificates, the list is endless and could be tailored and weaponized against candidates on either side.
blueinredohio
(6,797 posts)calimary
(81,612 posts)He wouldn't get 'em in the first place, but it could make a difference, depending on the math.
California_Republic
(1,826 posts)A Republican opponent would win California
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)Enough to guarantee he won't win the pop vote, right?
subterranean
(3,427 posts)Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)He got 3.9 mil votes in CA in 2016
iluvtennis
(19,913 posts)George II
(67,782 posts)still_one
(92,551 posts)requirement to be on the ballot, using the 14th amendment as their basis
Javaman
(62,540 posts)CousinIT
(9,278 posts).... unless said write-in candidate has released their tax returns, too. This way MAGAts can't just write-in Trump.
They need to put some long, sharp teeth into this.
ROB-ROX
(767 posts)This should hit old bone spurs where it hurts, his MIND. I think other blue states will do similar laws to STOP the yellow TURD. This will make GOP fight for their HERDS ATTENTION. This will be so ROYAL.......
Sgent
(5,857 posts)congressional term limit initiatives that were tried back in the 90's and denied ballot access to Senators / Reps running for reelection and was eventual struck down. Although maybe its different since the legislature could directly appoint presidential electors as well...
Cold War Spook
(1,279 posts)The law that a person must show his or her tax returns to be on the ballot may be Constitutional, but not for someone who is already in office.