Group sends complaint to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, IRS alleging political fraud

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A national political action committee claims it has filed a complaint with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin calling out what it sees as political fraud.

The group End Citizens United claimed it had filed identical complaints in 27 states and to the IRS, alleging the group No Labels is misusing its status. According to its Monday morning news release, ECU claims No Labels is using its non-profit status as a social welfare organization to protect donor identities while establishing a national third-party presidential campaign and end-running rules for political organizations.

Who are No Labels’ donors? Democratic groups file complaints in an attempt to find out

A spokesperson for the Arkansas AG’s office said midday Monday it had not yet received a complaint from the group.

According to IRS rules, political organizations are held to a different standard than not-for-profit groups, including requirements for reporting contributions and expenditures. Political groups also have limits on the amount of money they are allowed to receive from a contributor, unlike not-for-profit groups.

In its complaint, ECU claims No Labels’ filings show it has spent $8.9 million in 2022 for ballot access, which is expected to be higher for 2023 based on activity. ECU alleges that no social welfare expenditure is shown on its filings.

Judge says No Labels can block candidates from running for offices other than president in Arizona

ECU president Tiffany Muller is asking Griffin to investigate the group.

“In its attempt to run a third-party presidential ticket, No Labels is abusing its nonprofit status in Arkansas and we believe Attorney General Tim Griffin should investigate and hold them accountable,” Muller said. “No Labels is a shadowy dark money political group that is grossly exploiting Arkansas laws which are designed to benefit legitimate social welfare organizations. If No Labels’ corrupt charade continues unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent for future elections.”

ECU states in its release that the 27 states where the complaints were filed are the states where No Labels is authorized to solicit contributions.

No Labels has been in the news lately amidst concerns that a third-party candidate could siphon votes for President Joe Biden and in effect hand the election to presumptive Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump.

At a Jan. 18 news conference, a No Labels spokesperson said that the group was suffering as Democrat-leaning groups were working to stop its ballot-access efforts. The organization has asked for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice in its filed complaint.

Haley deserves serious consideration for No Labels presidential ticket if interested, co-chair says

End Citizens United is a political action group working to reverse the 2010 decision by the Supreme Court in “Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission.” That 5-4 decision removed limits on group spending for or against particular candidates.

KARK 4 News has reached out to an ECU representative for a statement on the lawsuit, but as of publishing time, there has not been a response.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.