A retired Republican judge determined there is “absolutely damning” evidence that should keep Donald Trump off the ballot in the state of Illinois. Acting as a hearing officer, Clark Erickson held a hearing on Friday to consider whether Trump should be removed from the ballot because he participated in an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Although Erickson did not make the final decision, WBEZ obtained a copy of his written recommendation to the Illinois state elections board on Sunday. The retired judge told the board that a court should make the decision to remove Trump from the ballot. Erickson…