Massachusetts Candidate Rejects AIPAC Donations but Accepted Qatari Funds
Seth Moulton, a Democratic candidate for both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, has announced he will not accept contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). However, past financial disclosures reveal he previously accepted travel expenses funded by Qatar.
Moulton was part of the 2020 Congressional Delegation to Qatar, which included Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell from California and Congressman Jim Himes from Connecticut. They visited the Qatar Foundation, a charity led by the royal family.
“The bilateral relationship between Qatar and the United States has significant potential,” Moulton said, expressing his intentions to strengthen ties between the two nations. This statement comes as reported by the Qatar Foundation.
During his four-day trip, which included travel, accommodation, and meals provided by Qatar, Moulton seemed to enjoy the experience. The financial details have been cited by reports on the subject.
While in Qatar, he met with lobbyists from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. This firm has reportedly donated $11,500 to Moulton’s campaign since 2014, with an additional $1,000 from lobbyist Robert Crowe in September 2020. The information was noted by various sources, including data from the Federal Election Commission.
The Washington Free Beacon indicated that this meeting was to discuss Qatar’s policies. Moulton’s financial support from AIPAC affiliates and the group itself amounted to $42,850, leading his campaign to announce a return of $35,000 in contributions from AIPAC.
“I will return AIPAC’s contributions and refuse to accept any donations or support from them,” Moulton stated recently, reinforcing his position. He added, “While I support Israel’s right to exist, I have never hesitated to oppose AIPAC when I believe it is wrong.” He criticized AIPAC for aligning too closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government in recent years.
Interestingly, while he has distanced himself from AIPAC, Moulton hasn’t yet commented regarding the funding from Qatar. Efforts to reach his office for further insight went unanswered.
