BREAKING: Virginia Federal court rules Trump delegates are free to vote their consciences
Federal courts in other jurisdictions had previously ruled that, as private organizations, political parties cannot be dictated to by the government in the conduct of their internal affairs.
The decision effectively puts over 20 states in play. Further legal action is anticipated to extend the scope of today's decision.The plaintiff in the case, Free the Delegates co-founder Beau Cornell, a Virginia delegate, said
Delegates to the Republican National Convention who cherish their freedom of speech, association, and voting their conscience applaud today's favorable decision by the federal court. This ruling establishes fresh precedent that the Rules Committee, all delegates to the Convention, and the Trump campaign themselves must take heed of. The strong-arm of the government has no business commandeering the actions of private individuals in private organizations, such as political parties.
As more than 20 states are now in play from a Constitutional perspective, it is my hope that this shall be known as a turning point leading to Cleveland. The advisable action, whether seen from a legal, moral, political or defense-of-our-republic standpoint is to allow delegates, elected by their peers and Republican constituencies, to support who they wish as the nominee for President of the United States.
To national political figures that are on the sidelines and awaiting your calling, I implore you to take a step forward from the darkness and into the light. Show us that you have the courage to stand for Leader of the Free World, appeal to the better angels of our nature, and to deliver this Republic from the abomination of a Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton presidency.
The text of the court's ruling can be found here.
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