Maine Secretary of State was sent 'threatening' letters after disqualifying Trump: report
A day after Secretary of State Shenna Bellows scratched former President Donald Trump off Maine's GOP primary ballot for choosing to "light the match" of an insurrection — she has been receiving threats.
"We have received threatening communications," she said while interviewing on CNN. "And those are unacceptable."
She explained that while she was bracing for the possibility of being targeted for having essentially banished Trump from running for president in the state, it didn't factor into her decision making.
"I was prepared for the possibility of threats," she said. "My safety and security is important, so is the safety and security of everyone who works with me."
However, she said duty to make an unbiased decision mattered more.
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"Regardless, my consideration in this proceeding is to adhere to the process," said Bellows. "We are a nation of laws and Maine law requires me to hold a hearing and issue a decision and now it goes to the Superior Court and I will uphold the ruling of the courts. That is the process that we are due."
She added: "And again looking at the evidence and the events of January 6th, it was an insurrection because people attacked not only the Capitol, but also that process of the peaceful transfer of power."
The tough face of Bellows doesn't necessarily mean she's not immune to the frightening fallout.
"I certainly worry about the safety of people I love, people around me, and people charged with protecting me and working alongside me," she explained. "That being said, we are a nation of laws, and that's what's really important.
"So I have been laser focused on that obligation to uphold the Constitution."