Sen. Mark Kelly
Ronald J. Hansen
Arizona Republic
Sen. Mark Kelly expressed concern Sunday over the possibility that the political group No Labels could tip the election next year from President Joe Biden based on the efforts of “a few rich people.”
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kelly, D-Ariz., discussed a town hall in New Hampshire scheduled for Monday featuring Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
The event is sponsored by No Labels, a group that bills itself as a centrist alternative to both major parties and has qualified as a political party for the Arizona ballot next year.
Democrats have complained that No Labels is little more than a spoiler group intended to thwart Biden’s reelection funded by people who in some cases have ties to Republican politics.
“I don’t think No Labels is a political party. I mean, this is a few individuals putting dark money behind an organization, and that’s not what our democracy should be about,” Kelly said.
“It should not be about a few rich people. So I’m obviously concerned about what’s going on here in Arizona and across the country.”
Manchin’s Senate term expires next year and he faces a difficult reelection in a state that tilts Republican. For months, he has refused to rule out a presidential run.
His appearance in New Hampshire with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican, will only fuel speculation that Manchin could be part of No Labels’ “unity ticket” running for the White House next year.
Kelly acknowledged he has discussed Manchin’s potential political moves with him, but declined to recount the conversation publicly.
