Axios Phoenix article, "Before No Labels, Green Party tried and failed to block unwanted candidates," mentions Richard Grayson's in both 2010 and 2024 lawsuits

An Axios Phoenix article by Jeremy Duda published today, Thursday, January 18, 2024, "Before No Labels, Green Party tried and failed to block unwanted candidates," mentions Richard Grayson's involvement in both the 2010 Green Party and 2024 No Labels Party lawsuits:

Details: Judge David Campbell rejected the Green Party's arguments that same year, ruling the so-called sham candidates didn't violate its constitutional right to free association.

Political parties frequently deal with candidates who don't fully share their views and platforms, the judge said. "They retain their right to vote, their right to speak, their right to campaign and organize. Although the statute arguably burdens their associational rights by requiring them to tolerate candidates they do not support, that burden … is not uncommon in political parties," Campbell wrote.

Meanwhile, Superior Court Judge Dean Fink ruled against the Democratic Party days later.

Fink had "no hesitation" in concluding the candidates were recruited in bad faith for the purpose of damaging Democrats' election prospects, but he upheld their right to run because they'd gotten on the ballot legally and seemed to have a legitimate desire to run.

Of note: One of the 2010 candidates challenged by the Green Party, Richard Grayson, has filed to run for Corporation Commission as a No Labels candidate.

Zoom out: The Green Party didn't appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit, so the case created no precedent for the ongoing controversy surrounding No Labels.

Fontes plans to appeal the No Labels ruling.