The Arizona Democrat Party is reportedly suing to block a third-party organization from accessing the state's presidential ballot in the 2024 election.
The lawsuit targets No Labels, a centrist group established in 2010 that aims to give voters a “non-extreme” presidential option that has secured ballot access in three states, including Arizona.
Early reports from The Washington Post indicate the lawsuit targets Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) alleging he erroneously accepted signature petitions from the group.
According to Fox News, Arizona Democrats also claim that No Labels, a registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization has failed to comply with federal election laws governing political parties, including donation limits and donor disclosure. Nonprofits are not legally required to disclose donors.
“No Labels is not following the rules for political party recognition, while attempting to be placed on the ballot alongside actual, functioning political parties who do,” Arizona Democratic Party spokeswoman Morgan Dick told The Washington Post. “Arizonans deserve better and voters deserve to know who is behind this shadowy organization and what potentially nefarious agenda they are pushing.”
Ryan Clancy, the chief strategist for No Labels, blasted the lawsuit.
“This undemocratic and unscrupulous lawsuit is a disgrace,” Clancy said in a statement. “Next time you hear this crowd talking about protecting democracy, remember what they are really doing is protecting their turf.”
Democrats fear that No Labels' efforts to gain access to the ballot in Arizona and other states could work against President Biden‘s re-election.
However, No Labels contends its “unity ticket” would draw support “equally” from both parties.
“At some point in the future, it could become clear that the public doesn't want an independent ticket or that there is no path for one to win. Or we could find that there are no candidates with broad appeal or the courage to take on this challenge. If that happens, No Labels will not offer our ballot line to any presidential candidate,” the group said in a statement earlier this month.
The group has expressed interest in centrist lawmakers in Washington, D.C., such as Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.)
Larry Hogan (R), former two-term Maryland governor and honorary co-chairman of No Labels, has also been floated as a potential third-party candidate.
Hogan previously said he wouldn't rule out a third-party presidential bid if Biden and Donald Trump are the Democrat and Republican nominees in 2024, but earlier this month he announced he ultimately would not run in 2024. (RELATED: Larry Hogan Passes on White House Run)
“I did give it serious consideration, and I talked to people everywhere, and I talked to my family, and it was a tough decision, but I've decided that I will not be a candidate for the Republican nomination for president,” Hogan told CBS's “Face the Nation” in a sit-down interview.
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The establishment parties always have made it tough for third parties to get on State ballots. Wonder what they are afraid of?
Of losing their power, that’s what they’re afraid of. To them power means money and control, and that’s how they survive.