The lawsuit, filed by Michigan citizen Lee Estes with the help of the progressive nonprofit Progress Michigan, alleges that Kelley’s alleged involvement in the riot disqualifies him from appearing on the general election ballot. Kelley pleaded not guilty to four riot-related misdemeanor charges last week, claiming he was exercising his First Amendment rights after being arrested by the FBI last month. Footage from Jan. 6 shows Kelley climbing the U.S. Capitol to reach the northwest courtyard during the riot, and can be seen in the video “using his hands to support another rioter pulling on the metal barricade,” the lawsuit claims. “He poses a clear and present danger to democracy in Michigan,” it says. The lawsuit asks Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and the Board of State Canvassers to declare Kelley ineligible for both the August Republican primary, in which he is the front-runner, and the November general election based on the charges filed against him. . “It’s simple, really. If you supported and participated in the January 6 riot, you should not have the privilege of holding – or even running for – public office,” Progress Michigan Executive Director Lonnie Scott wrote in a statement. Kelley claimed the lawsuit was meant to distract from serious issues being considered during the election. “Their claims of sedition are ridiculous. It’s an attempt to deflect from the real crimes and hardships caused by the “Whitmer crime family,” he wrote, referring to Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Indiana asks Supreme Court to let it enforce abortion law with parental notification Texas sues Biden administration over hospital abortion guidance The charges to which Kelley pleaded not guilty included entering or remaining in a confined building or premises without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive behavior, knowingly engaging in an act of physical violence against a person or property, and willful injury to property. Kelley argued that he did not enter the Capitol and therefore could not be convicted of any of the charges. Lee Estes has made campaign donations to Whitmer and Benson, according to the Detroit Free Press.
