Reject AIPAC: Coalition Forms to Counter Big-Money Spending Targeting Progressive Lawmakers
A coalition of nearly two dozen liberal groups has united to protect progressive left-wing “Squad” members in Congress from a wave of spending ahead of the November elections. Reject AIPAC, as the coalition is called, aims to counter the proposed big-money spending by entities linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The coalition seeks to support Democrat politicians such as Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Cori Bush of Missouri, Jamaal Bowman of New York, and Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, who have faced criticism from AIPAC due to their stance on Israel.
Reject AIPAC describes itself as a broad coalition of progressive groups working together to challenge AIPAC and its affiliated dark money Super PACs through various strategies, including electoral, political, digital, and organizing efforts. The coalition urges candidates for federal office to take the Reject AIPAC Pledge, which entails refusing endorsements or contributions from AIPAC and aligned PACs.
The strategy adopted by Reject AIPAC involves connecting grassroots organizations behind a seven-figure “electoral defense campaign” to shield the progressive lawmakers targeted by AIPAC. Meanwhile, AIPAC has committed $100 million to defeat the Squad members and other progressive lawmakers, claiming that they aim to strengthen the US-Israel relationship.
In response to the counter-campaign, an AIPAC spokesperson stated, “We are proud to engage in the democratic process to strengthen the US-Israel relationship, and we will not be deterred in our efforts by an extremist anti-Israel fringe.” While Reject AIPAC did not provide a comment to Digital, a coalition partner assured that they would ensure the progressive lawmakers have the necessary resources to fight back against AIPAC.
Usamah Andrabi, the communications director for Justice Democrats, highlighted the unique challenges faced by these progressive incumbents, who are predominantly Black and brown. Andrabi noted that while Democratic leadership and establishment typically express concern when incumbents face primary challenges, the same level of support is not extended to these progressive lawmakers. Reject AIPAC aims to bridge this gap and provide the necessary resources for their defense.
The alliance formed by Reject AIPAC includes far-left groups like Justice Democrats, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, IfNotNow Movement, Working Families Party, and Sunrise Movement.
It is important to note that this article presents a conservative viewpoint and may not reflect the views of all readers.
