PHOENIX — Saying it could lead to “political bait and switch,” a judge is blocking the move by the No Labels Party to rebrand itself as the Arizona Independent Party.
In a newly released ruling, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Greg Como said if party officials want to operate under a new name they need to start from scratch and complete all the procedures necessary — including gathering sufficient signatures on petitions — to form a new party.
The judge said more than 41,000 people signed up to be members of the No Labels Party before party Chairman Paul Johnson sought and got permission from Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to change the name.
