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The centrist political group No Labels is getting on the ballot in individual states, causing consternation among members of the major political parties about the organization’s endgame.
The group says it’s not interested in running a presidential campaign. Nonetheless, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit is committed to raising roughly $70 million to gather signatures and qualify for the ballot in 2024.
« We’re going for as many states as we can across the country, » Ryan Clancy, lead strategist for No Labels, said in an interview.
So far, No Labels has gained access to the ballot in Arizona, Colorado, Alaska and Oregon.
In Arizona, rumors persisted that No Labels could offer Democrat-turned-independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema a new platform for her seat.
But Clancy insists that No Labels is a one-ticket operation — a presidential « insurance project » for dissatisfied Republicans and Democrats.
« The only way this works is if in the view of the public, the major party nominees are unappealing enough, and a potential unity ticket is appealing enough, that there seems like a viable path to Electoral College victory, » Clancy said.
That’s left Republicans and Democrats alike concerned that No Labels could tee up a spoiler — especially as polls have shown broad dissatisfaction with both President Biden, who just made his reelection bid official on Tuesday, and former President Donald Trump, the clear front-runner for the GOP nomination.
Democratic voices, in particular, have warned that a third-party bid would help elect Trump to another term.
In an online FAQ, No Labels says it’s « too early to know » whether a Biden-Trump rematch would lead the group to nominate a so-called « unity ticket. » No Labels says it will rely on « rigorously analyzed polling data » to determine whether most Americans « want an alternative to the major party presidential nominees, » and whether the group sees « a viable path » to winning election.
