No Labels Asks for DOJ Probe Over 'Illegal Conspiracy'

The leaders of No Labels, a group preparing a potential third-party presidential bid, have asked the Justice Department to investigate a range of Democrat-leaning groups and activists who they say are working to thwart those efforts.

The group on Thursday said a public and private pressure campaign by Democrats and allies of President Joe Biden goes beyond legally protected political speech.

"There is a group of activists, operatives and party officials who are participating in an alleged illegal conspiracy to use intimidation, harassment and fear against representatives of No Labels, its donors and its potential candidates," Dan Webb, a No Labels leader and former U.S. attorney, said during a press conference in Washington.

No Labels, which has yet to name a candidate, has already raised more than $60 million and has qualified in 14 states, including swing states Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina.

Democrats fear a centrist third-party bid would splinter their party while Trump's loyal base sticks with him.

The eight-page letter from No Labels detailed a number of incidents that the group believes could be potential crimes.

Holly Page, a No Labels co-founder, said she was threatened by a top Democrat official who told her: "You will never be able to work in Democratic politics again."

No Labels identified Democrat-aligned groups including American Bridge, Third Way and MoveOn as part of the alleged conspiracy.

"These groups are using intimidation to keep groups off the ballot," said former North Carolina Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, a No Labels co-chair. "This is not just an attack on a candidate, but on the right of the American people and our democracy."

American Bridge President Pat Denis called the No Labels complaint "frivolous."

"They have a weak chin if they think this is too much scrutiny for a national campaign," Denis said.

MoveOn did not immediately return a request for comment, and Third Way declined to comment. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.