'Bait And Switch': Durst Organization Sues No Labels Over Third-Party Ballot Plan

NEW YORK CITY — Political advocacy group No Labels has defrauded its original investors by planning to run a third-party candidate in the upcoming presidential election, claim two New York City real estate bigwigs.

The Durst Organization and cousins Douglas and Jonathan “Jody” Durst filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court on Tuesday against the group, which was founded in 2010. The Dursts claimed No Labels “abandoned its original mission” and pulled a “bait and switch” on previous donors.

At first, No Labels “solicited funds from the Dursts” by promising to engage in bipartisan activism, the lawsuit claims – but the group has “since abandoned that promise” by promoting an independent third-party, or “unity ticket,” presidential candidate.

As the Associated Press has reported, No Labels has secured ballot access in 13 states so far, with the goal to get all 50 by Election Day. The group’s leaders previously said they will only move forward with plans to launch the third-party bid if their candidate has a viable path to victory.

"This case seeks to hold No Labels accountable for the consequences of its misguided actions that have left its original benefactors like the Dursts feeling bewildered, betrayed, and outraged," the lawsuit states.

The Dursts are seeking a return of the $145,000 paid to No Labels in their names: $10,000 in 2016, $125,000 in 2017, and $10,000 in 2020, court records show. The lawsuit also seeks attorney’s fees.

No Labels is “pursuing a divisive course that is the antithesis of its original mission to bridge the political divide,” the plaintiffs claim in the lawsuit.

“Had No Labels ever given any indication that it might pursue such a gambit, the Dursts never would have funded the organization,” the lawsuit states. "That is because, in a Presidential election, anyone who votes for a third-party candidate votes on neither side."

The Durst Organization, founded in 1915, manages more than 13 million square feet of office space in Manhattan according to its website.

Some Democrats have criticized No Labels' effort, saying a third candidate would take votes from President Joe Biden and return former Republican president Donald Trump to the White House. An attorney with the group said the lawsuit was "frivolous" and that No Labels' "fundamental mission has never changed" in a statement to The Hill.

Patch has reached out to legal representation for No Labels to seek further comment.