No Labels

No Labels is an American political organization whose stated mission is to support centrism and bipartisanship.[1] In 2010, No Labels was founded as a 501(c)(4) with Nancy Jacobson as its board president, and as of 2022, CEO.[2][3]

No Labels
FormationDecember 13, 2010 (2010-12-13) (public launch)
TypePolitical
Legal status501(c)(4)
HeadquartersWashington, D.C.
Region served
United States
CEO
Nancy Jacobson
Nancy Jacobson (president)
Jerald S Howe Jr. (treasurer)
Andrew Tisch
Andrew M. Bursky
Dennis C. Blair
Charles R. Black Jr.
Tish Bazil
Websitewww.nolabels.org

Focus

House of Representatives

In 2017, the group helped to start the Problem Solvers Caucus in the House of Representatives, a bipartisan group of approximately 60 congressional members.

For the 2019–2020 House term, the Problem Solvers Caucus reached an agreement with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi on House rule changes[4] that some praised as practical and necessary,[5] while others claimed it might give House Republicans[5] and/or corporate interests[6] more power for that term.[7]

In 2021, the Problem Solvers Caucus released a "Building Bridges" blueprint for a bipartisan infrastructure deal. It was the first deal to be endorsed by Republicans and Democrats during that budget cycle.[8]

2024 presidential ticket

No Labels says as of July 2023 it is close to raising the $70 million that it thinks will enable it to put a third-party "unity ticket" for the 2024 presidential election on the ballot in every state.[9] Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and former Republican Governors Larry Hogan and Jon Huntsman have been mentioned as potential No Labels candidates.[10][11] The party also attempted to tap Republican candidate Chris Christie, but he declined.[12][13] As of October 2023, the organization has ballot access in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida,[14] Hawaii,[15] Nevada,[16] North Carolina,[17] Oregon,[16] Mississippi, South Dakota,[18] and Utah.[16]

Joe Lieberman announced in an interview with Fox News Sunday on August 27, 2023, that the organization plans to hold a "bipartisan nominating convention" in Dallas, Texas in April 2024.[19]

The effort has been criticized by some Democrats, centrists, and Republicans who fear it could give former president Donald Trump a second term.[20][21][22][23][24][25] One report claimed that certain center-left members of No Labels' Problem Solvers Caucus were "in open revolt";[26][27] co-founder William Galston resigned in protest.[28][29] A bi-partisan group of former lawmakers, citing the threat they see from Trump, launched a Super PAC called Citizens to Save Our Republic to focus on stopping No Labels' presidential ticket.[30][31] Nonprofits Third Way and MoveOn also organized a campaign to get Democrats to disavow No Labels.[32] FiveThirtyEight's review of polling on July 13, 2023, predicted at that time that a bi-partisan ticket would likely benefit Trump.[33]

The Democratic Party of Arizona has sued to prevent No Labels from recognition as a political party in the state, with the ability to place candidates on the state ballot.[34] No Labels has sued the Arizona Secretary of State, Democrat Adrian Fontes, to prevent Arizona Democrats from running under the No Labels banner and using its ballot line.[35]

Funding

No Labels does not disclose its donors' identities, citing the potential for lobbying and pressure campaigns for major donors to stop backing the organization.[36] This lack of transparency has been a major source of criticism for the organization[37] alongside critiques that the group prioritizes the wellbeing of wealthy donors instead of policies with broad appeal that could reduce partisanship.[38][39][40][6] The Intercept and Jacobin report examples of the group working to block tax increases on the wealthiest Americans and corporations.[41][42]

Early donors to No Labels include board member Andrew Tisch, co-chairman of Loews Corporation; Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread; Dave Morin, a former Facebook executive, and supporters of Michael Bloomberg.[43]

A 2018 Chicago Sun-Times investigation found five super PACs that were affiliated with No Labels,[44][45][46] sparking an OpenSecrets investigation identifying two more.[47] All seven super PACs were closed in 2020.[48][49][50][51][52][53][54] The Daily Beast reported that in 2018 No Labels Super PACs received more than $11 million from 53 donors, most of whom worked in finance.[38] The New Republic reported in 2023 that No Labels has received major funding from Harlan Crow, a leading donor to Republican and conservative causes.[55] No Labels has been described as a dark money organization.[38][39][56][57][58][59]

Leadership

Nancy Jacobson has been the board president since the founding of the organization and as of 2022, CEO.[60] In December 2020, No Labels announced Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, as a national co-chair (prominent spokesperson[61]) to serve alongside the No Labels founding co-chair Joe Lieberman.[62] In January 2023, Benjamin Chavis joined Hogan as national co-chair.[63]

Nancy Jacobson (board president and CEO) and Jerald S. Howe Jr. (board treasurer) have been on the board since the founding of the group in 2010. Andrew Tisch joined in 2012. Andrew M. Bursky joined in 2015. Dennis C. Blair and Charles R. Black Jr. joined in 2019.[64] Tish Bazil was added to the organization's website as a Board Member in 2023.[65] Previous board members include: Ted Buerger (2010), Joshua Bekenstein (2010), Mark Nunnelly (2010), Mark McKinnon (2010–2012), Nate Garvis (2010–2013), Holly Page (2010–2013), Lisa Borders (2014–2017),[64] Kenneth A. Gross (2012-2023) and Margie Fox (2009-2023).[66]

Work environment

Based on 14 interviews with former employees in December 2022, Politico described a "toxic" culture within No Labels. The article cited a "cutthroat culture".[67] In response to the criticism, several senior officials for the group described to Politico the complaints as coming from "aggrieved ex-workers" who could not "adapt" to a demanding office culture.[67] In August 2023, a Black former outreach manager of No Labels sued the political organization, claiming she was discriminated against because of her race and retaliated against for reporting the alleged discrimination.[68]

Politico reported that in addition to requiring non-disclosure agreements, Nancy Jacobson has been accused by former employees of asking staff members to obscure where they work on LinkedIn, allegedly, in order to make it more difficult for journalists to interview No Labels employees.[67]

See also

References
  1. Broadwater, Luke (December 15, 2020). "No Labels, Planning Centrist Push in New Congress, Taps Larry Hogan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  2. Clift, Eleanor (April 11, 2015). "The Only Bipartisan Game in Town". Retrieved February 2, 2019. ...the non-profit group that was founded in 2010 to advocate for that elusive middle way.
  3. "A No Labels solution to Washington gridlock?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  4. McPherson, Lindsey (November 28, 2018). "Problem Solvers to Back Pelosi for Speaker After Reaching Agreement on Rules Changes". Roll Call. Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  5. "The Democratic House wants to reform democracy. It's not a panacea — but it's a start". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  6. Pocan, Mark (December 4, 2018). "Congressman: I Was Duped By 'No Labels'". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  7. Fang, Lee (November 29, 2018). "Billionaire Republican Donors Helped Elect Rising Centrist Democrats". The Intercept. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  8. McPherson, Lindsey (June 9, 2021). "Bipartisan House caucus offers alternative infrastructure plan after Senate GOP talks collapse". Roll Call. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  9. Hillyard, Vaughn; Koretski, Katherine; Gallo, Dan (July 17, 2023). "Joe Manchin and Jon Huntsman flirt with third-party 2024 ticket in New Hampshire". NBC News. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  10. Axelrod, Tal (March 7, 2023). "Larry Hogan won't close the door on third-party presidential bid in 2024". ABC News. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  11. Robins-Early, Nick (July 17, 2023). "Manchin appearance with third-party group fuels speculation over 2024 run". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  12. Quarshie, Mabinty (September 7, 2023). "Chris Christie blasts No Labels party: 'They don't know who they're going to hurt'". Washington Examiner. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  13. Morgan, David. "Third-party No Labels will not be a 'spoiler' in 2024 election, chair says". Reuters. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  14. Robertson, Gary D. (August 14, 2023). "'No Labels' movement says it could offer independent presidential ticket in 2024". AP News. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  15. "Political Parties". State of Hawaii Office of Elections. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  16. Girnus, April Corbin. "No Labels qualifies in Nevada as minor party for 2024 general election". Reno Gazette-Journal. Nevada Current. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  17. "State Board Recognizes No Labels as a Political Party" (Press release). Concord, NC: North Carolina State Board of Elections. August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  18. Mayer, Eric (August 10, 2023). "Newly recognized No Labels Party solely focused on ballot access". Keloland News. Nexstar Media Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  19. Cohen, Michael (August 27, 2023). "No Labels to hold nominating convention in April, Joe Lieberman says". Politico. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  20. Meyerson, Harold (April 12, 2023). "No Labels' Real Label: Vanity Candidates 'R' Us". The American Prospect. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  21. Giles, Ben (April 26, 2023). "No Labels is getting on state ballots, drawing a lawsuit and concerns about a spoiler". National Public Radio.
  22. Chait, Jonathan (April 3, 2023). "The Terrifying Threat That No Labels Will Reelect Trump". Intelligencer. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  23. Scherer, Michael (April 2, 2023). "No Labels group raises alarms with third-party presidential preparations". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  24. Reich, Robert (September 11, 2023). "Third-party candidates will help Trump win". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  25. Cooper, Jonathan J. (September 21, 2023). "A third party signed up 15,000 voters in Arizona. Democrats worry that's enough for a Biden spoiler". AP. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  26. Weisman, Jonathan (May 19, 2023). "'No Labels' Eyes a Third-Party Run in 2024. Democrats Are Alarmed". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  27. Lippman, Daniel (May 26, 2023). "House Dems in No Labels-allied caucus are livid with No Labels". Politico. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  28. Collins, Michael (May 13, 2023). "A Trump-Biden rematch? Pass, says this group searching for a third-party option in 2024". USA Today. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  29. Galston, William A. (May 2, 2023). "Opinion | No Labels May Re-Elect Donald Trump". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  30. Krieg, Gregory; Zeleny, Jeff; Simon, Jeff (July 18, 2023). "Manchin refuses to rule out third party presidential campaign, says 'if I get in a race, I'm going to win'". CNN Politics. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  31. Strauss, Daniel (July 17, 2023). "Wagons Circle Around No Labels as Big-Name Group Forms Super PAC". The New Republic. ISSN 0028-6583. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  32. Nichols, Hans (August 2, 2023). "The anti-No Labels pledge". Axios.
  33. Skelley, Geoffrey (July 13, 2023). "Why A Third-Party Candidate Might Help Trump — And Spoil The Election For Biden". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  34. "Arizona Democrats sue to keep 'No Labels' candidates off ballots". CNN. March 30, 2023.
  35. "No Labels sues to block Arizona Democrats from using ballot line". The Hill. October 20, 2023.
  36. "No Labels 2024 Insurance Project FAQ". nolabels.org. No Labels. April 2, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  37. Rich, Frank (December 19, 2010). "The Bipartisanship Racket". The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  38. Stein, Sam; Markay, Lachlan (December 3, 2018). "How No Labels Went from Preaching Unity to Practicing the Dark Arts". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on October 15, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  39. Grim, Ryan (September 23, 2021). "Dark-Money Group to Donors: Reconciliation Bill Can Still be Killed". The Intercept. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  40. Fang, Lee (August 26, 2021). "No Labels Offered Conservative Democrats Hundreds of Thousands to Spurn Nancy Pelosi Fundraiser". The Intercept. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  41. Sirota, Sara (October 25, 2021). "Josh Gottheimer's Obstructionist Crew Raised Millions During Showdown With Nancy Pelosi". The Intercept. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  42. Perez, Andrew (May 2023). "Last Year's Biden-Endorsed Gubernatorial Nominee in South Carolina Just Joined the No Labels Group". Jacobin. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  43. Langley, Monica (November 24, 2010). "Aiming for the Political Middle". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  44. Sweet, Lynn (March 12, 2018). "Bipartisan 'No Labels' group's super PAC network revealed: mega Chicago donors". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  45. Fang, Lee (November 29, 2018). "Billionaire Republican Donors Helped Elect Rising Centrist Democrats". The Intercept. Archived from the original on November 29, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  46. Stein, Sam (December 3, 2018). "How No Labels Went From Preaching Unity to Practicing the Dark Arts". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  47. "Super PAC behind spending in Minnesota and Florida primaries linked to nonpartisan No Labels group". OpenSecrets News. August 2, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  48. "United Together – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  49. "Forward Not Back – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  50. "Citizens for a Stong America Inc – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  51. "United for Progress, Inc. – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  52. "Progress Tomorrow, Inc. – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  53. "Govern Go Home – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  54. "Patriotic Americans PAC – committee overview". FEC.gov. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
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  56. Dorn, Sara. "What To Know About No Labels: Shadowy Political Group Raises Alarms Over A 'Spoiler' 2024 Presidential Candidate". Forbes. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  57. "'No Labels' is an insurance policy to benefit Trump". Sun Sentinel. July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  58. Moore, David (July 28, 2023). "No Labels Funnels Finance Money to Congress". Sludge. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  59. Cooper, Jonathan (July 13, 2023). "Arizona Democrats file complaint against No Labels over donor secrecy". Associated Press. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  60. Lippman, Daniel (December 7, 2022). "Inside the turmoil roiling No Labels' unity ticket presidential campaign". POLITICO. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  61. "No Labels, Marking 10th Anniversary, Welcomes Maryland Governor Larry Hogan as National Co-Chair". January 28, 2021. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  62. Booker, Brakkton (December 15, 2020). "Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Named Co-Chair Of Bipartisan Group No Labels". National Public Radio. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  63. "Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Named National Co-Chair of No Labels". The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint. January 23, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  64. Suozzo, Andrea; Schwencke, Ken; Tigas, Mike; Wei, Sisi; Glassford, Alec; Roberts, Brandon. "No Labels, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  65. "Legal Board - No Labels". www.nolabels.org. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  66. Moore, David (July 12, 2023). Shaw, Donald (ed.). "No Labels Appears to Be Losing Board Members". Sludge. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  67. Lippman, Daniel (December 7, 2022). "Inside the turmoil roiling No Labels' unity ticket presidential campaign". Politico. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  68. Lippman, Daniel (August 14, 2023). "No Labels sued by ex-employee over alleged racial discrimination". Politico. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
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