By THOMAS BEAUMONT (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The third-party movement for the presidency No Labels is aiming to have a candidate for the November election, even though some well-known contenders have chosen not to run, according to two people familiar with the situation on Wednesday.
After considering whether to offer a candidate for some time, No Labels representatives are expected to vote on Friday to start a presidential campaign for the upcoming election, as indicated by the sources, who spoke anonymously to protect the group’s internal discussions.
On Friday, No Labels will not announce its presidential and vice presidential picks at the private meeting with about 800 delegates, but is likely to begin a formal selection process for potential candidates in the following weeks.
Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump’s victories on Super Tuesday ensured a rematch in November. Polls suggest that many Americans view Biden and Trump unfavorably, which No Labels sees as an opportunity to present a bipartisan ticket. However, Biden supporters are concerned that No Labels could take votes away from him in key states and are critical of the group's lack of transparency about its donors and decision-making process. or much of its decision-making. No Labels officials did not publicly confirm the plans for Friday’s meeting. Senior strategist Ryan Clancy stated, “We expect our delegates to encourage the process to continue.”
The two individuals familiar with the group mentioned that the plans could change before the vote, but there is widespread enthusiasm within its regional chapters to field a candidate and vote on Friday.
The group has been considering how to present a “unity ticket” to appeal to voters dissatisfied with both Biden and Trump. No Labels’ strategists have stated they will support a bipartisan ticket with a presidential candidate from one major party and a vice presidential candidate from the other if they believe there is a potential to win.
Group officials have reported being in contact with several potential candidates but have not revealed any names.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has stated she is not interested in running as a candidate for No Labels. After her withdrawal from the Republican race on Wednesday, No Labels congratulated her for “running a great campaign and appealing to the large swath of commonsense voters.”
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat not seeking re-election this year, has said he will not run for the presidency, and Republican former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, associated with No Labels, is instead dropped out running for a U.S. Senate seat
in November. No Labels has amassed funds from undisclosed individuals, including former Republican donors disenchanted with the party’s direction during the Trump era, and has worked to secure ballot access in every state. No Labels, a third-party group, has chosen to nominate a candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
No Labels has stockpiled cash from people it has declined to name, including former Republican donors who have become disenchanted with the party’s direction in the Trump era, and worked to secure ballot access in every state.
