No Labels, a nonprofit seeking to expand support for third-party tickets in 2024, claims its leaders are involved in a “conspiracy” to sabotage ballot access efforts and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.
At a press conference Thursday, the group's leaders alleged a “brazen” attempt by outside groups, primarily Democratic, to suppress efforts to rally public support for a unified candidate in November.
“We are asking the Department of Justice to open a formal investigation into this matter to get to the bottom of this case once and for all and determine whether any laws were violated,” said Dan Webb, a NoLabels volunteer and attorney. I requested it.”
“A group of activists, operatives, and party officials are participating in an alleged illegal conspiracy to intimidate, harass, and use fear against No Labels representatives, donors, and potential candidates.” said.
“We decided it was time to fight back,” Webb added. “Their tactics are becoming increasingly brazen.”
No Labels has rallied with Democrats in high-stakes elections by implementing expensive and widespread voting access initiatives and gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures to demonstrate momentum for independent candidates. It has been criticized by some Republicans. They have not made their donor lists public, infuriating officials from major political parties who have called for more information about their funding.
“The American people want a different choice from their president this year,” said former Sen. Joe Lieberman, R-Conn., a leading supporter of the group. “No Labels will provide that choice.” We are working to do so.”
“No one has the right to prevent voters from having that choice,” he added, clarifying the basis for his complaint to the Justice Department.
No Labels leaders have expressed frustration throughout this cycle that they have been unfairly attacked by both establishment Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans. They see their efforts as an affront to the movement to prevent former President Trump from winning a second White House. Tensions between No Labels and outside democracy advocates are especially high as Mr. Trump inches closer to becoming the Republican presidential nominee.
The group is currently on the ballot in 14 states, and executive director Margaret White said plans are underway to secure 13 more states.
Following this week's Iowa caucuses, which revealed Trump as the clear winner, many say Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is leaning toward the moderate Republican candidate. Speculation has increased that this could be an interesting option for Nolabels and its supporters, who believe in it. Haley already has strong support among traditional conservative donors.
Lieberman said the group might consider her as a candidate for the rally, but that would depend on “whether she expresses interest in being part of our bipartisan unity ticket.” He said they were “talking to a lot of people.” Officials from both parties responded regarding the possibility of her running for office. ”
“No one said 'no,' but no one really said, 'Yes, I'm ready,'” he says.
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