The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its related groups have been investing tens of millions of dollars in U.S. elections to support strong pro-Israel candidates from both major parties in Congress.
While AIPAC has historically succeeded in U.S. lobbying efforts, it has faced several challenges recently. For instance, AIPAC significantly invested in the Democratic primary against former New Jersey Congressman Tom Malinowski, mainly due to his criticisms of the Israeli government. Ironically, this campaign helped Analilia Mejia, a more outspoken critic of Israel, to emerge victorious.
AIPAC also backed Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyers Irvin in Illinois, but she lost her primary for the 7th District, set to replace retiring Rep. Danny Davis.
Despite these setbacks, AIPAC believes it can successfully unseat Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie by labeling him as a turncoat, positioning Republican challenger Ed Gullane as a favorable alternative.
In one instance, AIPAC reportedly spent $790,000 on a week-long advertising campaign in several media markets. Their ads suggested that Massie had shifted politically, stating, “What happened to Thomas Massey? He flipped.”
However, the ads do not clarify which specific votes AIPAC disapproves of, although he recently sponsored a resolution for President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostile actions involving Iran. Massie also opposed a significant bill proposed by Trump last year. Moreover, he drew attention for being the sole “no” vote on a resolution reaffirming Israel’s right to exist.
The narrator of the AIPAC ad declared, “When it comes to Israel, Massey has voted for AOC and Ilhan Omar repeatedly. Massey is a total disaster. That’s why President Trump supports Ed Gullane.”
Trump has endorsed Gullane, emphasizing his commitment to the “America First” agenda. Recently, some polls have shown Massey leading in the primaries, with Quantum Insights finding him ahead of Gullane among Republican voters, albeit with nearly 14% undecided.
The preliminary election is scheduled for May 19th.
