A New Political Entity Registers 15,000 Arizona Voters, Causing Democratic Concerns Over Biden’s Re-election Chances

In Arizona, a fledgling political party has successfully registered over 15,000 individuals with the goal of offering a bipartisan “unity ticket” against both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Although this figure is smaller than the populace of any of the state’s 40 largest cities, it’s substantial enough to potentially sway the presidential outcome in this pivotal battleground state. This development is causing trepidation among those who wish to prevent Trump from reclaiming the presidency.

The “No Labels” group has already gained ballot access in Arizona and 10 additional states. While the organization has not yet committed to running a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, its representatives claim they are on course to secure access in 20 states by year-end and aim for a presence in all 50 states by Election Day. These activities have intensified Democratic concerns, especially since President Biden is already facing scrutiny over his age and governance record.

Democratic strategist Rodd McLeod in Arizona voiced the prevailing concern, stating that a unity ticket could potentially divert votes from Biden while leaving Trump’s voter base largely intact. As a result, supporters of Biden are ramping up their efforts to counteract the influence of the No Labels group and politicians associated with it.

Despite losing a legal battle to prevent No Labels from appearing on the ballot, the Arizona Democratic Party is now pushing for the group to reveal its funding sources. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, also a Democrat, has not issued any public comments but is expected to decide on possible action against the group for not adhering to the state’s campaign finance regulations.

The opposition to No Labels includes diverse tactics. One perennial candidate outside Phoenix joined the party specifically to challenge its compliance with state campaign finance rules. Richard Grayson, who joined No Labels only to endorse Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, described the situation as akin to “performance art.”

The 2020 victory for Biden was achieved with the assistance of anti-Trump Republicans and independents who were politically right-leaning. For any re-election prospects, Biden will need to retain this support, especially in Arizona, where he secured endorsements from figures like former Republican Senator Jeff Flake and Cindy McCain, widow of Senator John McCain.

Should even a small fraction of these voters shift their allegiance to a No Labels candidate, Biden’s re-election could be jeopardized. While no third-party candidate has ever secured a presidential victory, some, like Ross Perot in 1992, have been perceived as spoilers.

The Democratic establishment is cautious. Matt Bennett, executive vice president of the center-left organization Third Way, warned potential No Labels candidates that they risk becoming “Jill Stein 2.0,” referring to the Green Party candidate blamed for Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016.

Nevertheless, No Labels supporters argue that the current political atmosphere, marked by public fatigue over years of instability, is drastically different. Benjamin Chavis, a former NAACP head now collaborating with No Labels, pointed out that an unprecedented number of Americans are expressing a desire for more electoral options.

Current data show that No Labels has made a substantial impact in Arizona’s two largest counties, Phoenix and Tucson, with approximately 1,900 other individuals registered in the state’s remaining counties. The party’s members predominantly consist of younger voters, many of whom are under 35.

Leaders of No Labels have stated that they will determine the viability of running a candidate following the Super Tuesday primaries next March. While details are pending, the organization maintains relationships with moderates from both major political parties.

Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, clarified that the group’s decision would not hinge on early head-to-head polling data against Trump and Biden. The organization strenuously denies that it aims to act as a spoiler for Trump and asserts that it will only proceed if there exists a credible path to victory, although the specifics of that path remain undefined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about No Labels Arizona

More about No Labels Arizona

• No Labels Official Website
• Arizona State Election Commission
• Democrats’ Legal Actions in Arizona
• Super Tuesday Primaries Information
• Bipartisanship in American Politics
• Swing States and their Importance in U.S. Elections
• Third-Party Impact on Presidential Elections
• Political Demographics in Arizona