AIPAC-supported Sarah Elfreth wins the Democratic congressional primary in Maryland
Pro-Israeli and backed by Republican supporters, Sarah Elfreth recieved more than $4,2 million from groups associated with American Israel Public Affairs Committee win over 21 other candidates, including former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn.
Sarah Elfreth won over 21 other candidates, including Harry Dunn, who was the officer famous for defending the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack. Dunn has already felicitated Elfreth, saying it was "more important than ever to unite behind our shared vision for progress and justice."
The election outcome was a massive success for Elfreth and the pro-Israel group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). She received over $4 million in donations from the United Democracy Project (UDP), a super PAC funded by AIPAC. This was the second most lucrative investment made by UDP after the bid to prevent Californian Senator David Min from succeeding Republican Katie Porter.
AIPAC has already congratulated Elfreth on her win by releasing an official statement.
Sarah Elfreth’s victory underscores that it is entirely consistent with progressive values to stand with the Jewish state as it battles aggression from the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies. Activists from the pro-Israel community were actively engaged in supporting her campaign.
Polarization in the Democratic party
Democrats are polarized when it comes to the Middle East humanitarian disaster, not unequivocally voicing their perspectives. Although Harry Dunn also positioned himself as a supporter of Jewish people and the Israel state, claiming he was glad President Biden "has advocated for an approach that reduces unnecessary civilian casualties." However, most of the candidates, Elfreth included, have also presented similar views.
AIPAC strategy
UDP initially focused on "positive campaign" - funded ads supporting Elfreth, not stepping up against Dunn or other candidates. AIPAC's spokesperson, Patrick Dorton, had said, "There are some serious anti-Israel candidates in this race who are not Harry Dunn, and we need to make sure that they don’t make it to Congress." The comment was probably addressed to John Morse, a progressive candidate who had previously openly supported Palestine and got support from Bernie Sanders. In one of the interviews Morse said: "I am the most outspoken on a permanent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza because I think that’s the critical issue that’s going on right now."
However, the approach changed when Dunn addressed Republican donors, simultaneously commenting on the AIPAC's involvement. As a result, UDP targeted him, claiming he should be "ashamed of himself" for attacking Elfreth this way.
Sarah Elfreth, although surprised to receive support for the aids, did not deny them. She also stayed away from the UDP-Dunn duel for most of her campaign. What is, however, worth noting is that Elfreth did not have the support of high-profile national politicians, such as Nancy Pelosi, who openly supported Dunn.
Interestingly, federal regulations ban Super Pacs from contributing directly to political candidates. Yet, the groups can spend unregulated amounts of money to promote or criticize specific campaigns.
Source: AIPAC, Politico, The Guardian
