In a significant development, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has taken legal action against the State of New York, accusing it of interfering with Missourians' First Amendment right to hear from a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 election. The lawsuit filed by Bailey asserts that New York's prosecution, gag order, and impending sentencing of former President Donald Trump have hindered his ability to campaign effectively, thereby sabotaging the democratic process for Missouri voters.

Bailey is urging the United States Supreme Court to exercise its original jurisdiction under Article III, Section II of the Constitution to resolve the ongoing legal dispute between the two states. The lawsuit seeks a declaration from the Court that New York's restrictions on President Trump's campaign constitute unlawful interference in the presidential election. It also demands the removal of any gag orders against the former president and a halt on the sentencing until after the election.

Attorney General Bailey highlighted the alleged attempt by "radical progressives" in New York to manipulate the 2024 election and prevent presidential candidates from campaigning on their own merits. He expressed his determination to ensure that every Missourian can exercise their right to hear from and vote for their preferred presidential candidate without any undue restrictions.

The lawsuit comes shortly after New York obtained a conviction against President Trump, prompting Bailey to assert three specific violations: interference with the presidential election in other states, violation of the First Amendment rights of voters in other states, and an infringement on the democratic process.

Bailey's legal filing outlines a timeline of events, suggesting a political motive behind the charges brought against Trump. It highlights the involvement of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who had previously been involved in civil litigation against the former president while working for the New York Attorney General's Office. Bragg campaigned for his current position by promising to use his experience to prosecute Trump and subsequently hired Matthew Colangelo, a former member of Biden's Department of Justice, to lead the prosecution against Trump.

The lawsuit also raises concerns about the impartiality of Judge Merchan, who presided over the case. It reveals that Judge Merchan had donated to Biden's campaign and refused to recuse himself, despite having a close family member who stood to benefit financially from a conviction. The judge later imposed a gag order on President Trump, prohibiting him from publicly discussing these concerns.

Claiming that Trump's conviction is likely to be overturned on appeal, General Bailey argues that the limitations imposed on Trump's campaigning by New York will have already had a significant impact. He states that Missouri has a judicially enforceable interest in ensuring its citizens can hear Trump's campaign free from any interference imposed by New York.

Seeking prompt action, Attorney General Bailey has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, requesting the Supreme Court to halt any further proceedings in the New York case until after the American people have cast their votes in the upcoming election.

The lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injunction can be accessed for further reading here.