By THOMAS BEAUMONT (Associated Press)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — No Labels, the third-party presidential movement, has decided to run a presidential candidate in the 2024 election after considering the launch of a so-called “unity ticket” and talking with several potential candidates for months.
During an online convention of 800 delegates from all states, the decision to move forward was approved, according to Mike Rawlings, a former Dallas mayor affiliated with No Labels.
No Labels wasn't expected to name its presidential and vice presidential candidates on Friday. Instead, the group will reveal its candidate selection process on March 14, as stated by Rawlings.
Friday’s convention chair, Rawlings, mentioned in a written statement that despite the virtual meeting, the delegates' emotions and desire to reunite the divided nation were clearly conveyed through the screen.
As a number of potential candidates, such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, have declined the idea of running, including former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who suspended her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination after former President Donald Trump won in the Super Tuesday’s GOP primary map, No Labels decided to move forward.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who had considered running for president under the No Labels banner, has now chosen to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate from his state. Moreover, Retiring West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, has confirmed that he will not run for president.
Following the strong performances by Trump and President Joe Biden on Super Tuesday, a November rematch of the 2020 election seems likely. Polls indicate that many Americans don't view Biden or Trump favorably, a situation that No Labels sees as an opportunity to offer a bipartisan ticket.
However, supporters of Biden are concerned that No Labels may divert votes from the president in battleground states. They also criticize the group's lack of transparency about its donors and decision-making process.
The executive director of MoveOn, aligned with Democrats, expressed the opinion that a No Labels ticket would benefit Trump's re-election campaign.
Rahna Epting, the Executive Director, stated in a written message, “Any candidates who join the No Labels presidential ticket will be involved in making it easier for Donald Trump and MAGA extremists to win a second term in the White House.”
Third Way, another group aligned with Democrats and opposed to a No Labels ticket, highlighted that No Labels was moving forward without having secured a candidate.
Third Way Executive Vice President Matt Bennett expressed in a written statement, “Time and again, voters, candidates, and election experts have informed No Labels that a third-party presidential ticket cannot win and would aid Trump.”
No Labels considered presenting a ticket to appeal to dissatisfied voters with Biden and Trump. The group’s strategists have stated that they will support a bipartisan ticket, with a presidential nominee from one major party and a vice presidential nominee from the other, if they see a path to victory.
Group officials have stated that they are in contact with multiple potential candidates but have not revealed any names.
No Labels has collected money from unnamed individuals, including former Republican donors who have become unhappy with the party’s direction during the Trump era, and has worked to ensure access to ballots in every state.
Politico was the first to report No Labels’ decision.
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Follow the AP’s reporting on the 2024 election at https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.
