Former Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall, according to his family. Lieberman, a founding chairman of the centrist organization called No Labels, played a significant role in promoting bipartisanship in national politics.

No Labels, which aims to bridge the political divide, sparked controversy by working to recruit a third-party presidential candidate for the 2024 election. Critics feared that this move might potentially tilt the election in favor of former President Donald Trump. Throughout these debates, Lieberman staunchly defended the organization's mission, publicly advocating for a bipartisan unity ticket to offer an alternative to both Trump and President Joe Biden.

The passing of Lieberman not only represents a significant loss for No Labels but also injects a new level of uncertainty into the organization's ambitions for the 2024 election. The news of his death came just hours after former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced his decision not to join No Labels' presidential ticket, adding to a string of high-profile rejections.

No Labels had previously approached notable figures from both parties, including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. However, all have declined to join the organization's efforts.

Critics have seized upon Lieberman's death as an opportunity to call on No Labels to abandon its plans for the 2024 election. Sarah Longwell, the founder of Republican Voters Against Trump, argued that the organization's involvement would only serve to benefit Trump's chances of winning again. Longwell urged No Labels and its donors to reconsider their support.

No Labels' leadership has refrained from addressing their 2024 plans following Lieberman's passing, with his funeral scheduled for Friday. However, new details have emerged regarding the organization's struggle to persuade strong candidates to join its presidential ticket.

Lieberman had been directly involved in recruitment conversations with potential candidates, participating in introductory Zoom calls and maintaining regular contact with prospects such as Chris Christie. Despite No Labels' insistence, Christie ultimately determined that a No Labels' ticket was not viable and expressed concerns about potentially helping Trump secure another term.

Another prominent Trump critic, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, has also been in regular contact with No Labels. However, Sununu, who briefly considered a Republican White House bid, announced that he will not seek re-election this fall.

The death of Joe Lieberman has created a significant void within No Labels, leaving the organization's 2024 plans uncertain. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the fate of No Labels and its efforts to promote bipartisanship remain uncertain as it navigates a post-Lieberman era.