One of the Dumbest Centrist Groups in America Is Reportedly Running a Shady Super PAC Network

By Libby Watson | March 13, 2018 | 3:17pm

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An investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times has revealed a network of five super PACs created by No Labels, a group dedicated to promoting “bipartisanship” in politics. Sadly, it seems they’re a little embarrassed by the effort, because, according to the paper, the group has tried hard to keep its fingerprints off the super PACs.

According to the Sun Times, one of these No Labels super PACs is United for Progress Inc., which has so far spent $740,334 to support Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in his primary battle against Marie Newman. Lipinski is against abortion and as recently as this year stated that he “personally” doesn’t support same-sex marriage, though he accepts that it’s the law. (Damn right bitch!!!) He also voted against the Affordable Care Act and the DREAM act. Another super PAC, Citizens for a Strong America, has spent $128,129 this cycle on independent expenditures in aid of Republican congressional candidates William Negley and Chip Roy.

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Three of the super PACs—United Together, Govern or Go Home and Forward, Not Back (And Always Twirling, Twirling Towards Freedom!)—have yet to spend any of their more than $2 million in collective cash this year. Can’t wait to see who they help out!

No Labels describes itself is a “movement of problem solvers” (lol) that says it aims to bring “a new politics of goals-focused problem solving to our government” by encouraging bipartisanship. It’s so spineless that it doesn’t even really have policy ideas, just goals, like balancing the budget and “securing” Social Security and Medicare; its website helpfully proclaims that “One way or another, Washington needs to find a solution for the sake of this generation and the next.” Good idea!

In 2016, the group announced its intention to raise $50 million through a “coalition of super PACs.” But as the Sun-Times reported, those super PACs kept their ties to No Labels very quiet. One individual who was asked to contribute to the PACs told the paper that two big donors, Craig Duchossis and Jerry Reinsdorf, had been active in the group for years and wondered “why they are running away from this.”

Super PACs are required to disclose all donations over $200, but it’s easy enough for a group like No Labels to set up a super PAC without ever letting anyone know that they’re involved. Just call it The Good Government People and no one has to know it’s aligned with your group.

Hard to imagine why No Labels might want to keep it secret. Perhaps it’s because the five super PACs are currently failing to meet that $50 million goal by about 90%: They’ve raised a collective $5,845,003 this cycle, according to FEC figures through January 31. Oops!

No Labels did not respond to a request from the Sun-Times for comment. I have also reached out to the group and will update this post if I hear back.