AIPAC's Influence in Illinois Democratic Primaries Sparks Controversy Over Israel Policy The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, funneled over $14 million through anonymous groups to influence key House Democratic primaries in Illinois, deepening divisions within the party over Israel policy. The spending, revealed through newly filed federal reports, marked a significant escalation in the battle for control of the party’s stance on Israel, with progressives accusing AIPAC of using indirect tactics to shape outcomes. Two anonymous groups, Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now!, raised $14.1 million, with UDP contributing $5.3 million. Additional funds came from donors who had previously supported UDP, bringing the total to over $14 million. These groups accounted for 60% of all outside spending in Illinois House primaries this year. While UDP’s direct involvement in the first two groups was not confirmed until Friday, its role in the third group was openly acknowledged. The super PAC also spent $5 million to support Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s unsuccessful campaign for the 7th Congressional District. The spending efforts were part of a broader strategy to amplify pro-Israel voices in the Democratic Party. Patrick Dorton, a UDP spokesman, defended the group’s actions, stating that the funds were used to ensure “pro-Israel voices would have their voices heard.” He emphasized AIPAC’s focus on building a “largest, bipartisan pro-Israel majority in Congress,” claiming the Chicago delegation is “more pro-Israel today than it was before the primary election.” The election results reflected mixed outcomes for the pro-Israel effort. Former Rep.#daniel_biss #aipac #la_shawn_ford #united_democracy_project #melissa_conyears_ervin
Daniel Biss, Donna Miller, Melissa Bean win House primaries as Democrats fight over Israel and four Illinois open seats Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss secured the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, marking a pivotal moment in a contentious primary that highlighted deep divisions within the party over Israel policy and other issues. Alongside Biss, state Rep. La Shawn Ford won the 7th District race, while Cook County commissioner Donna Miller and former Rep. Melissa Bean claimed victories in the 2nd and 8th districts, respectively. The four races were shaped by intense competition, with millions of dollars in outside spending and heated debates over U.S. foreign policy toward Israel. The 9th District race saw Biss, a Jewish candidate whose relatives survived the Holocaust, emerge as the frontrunner despite fierce challenges from progressive commentator Kat Abughazaleh and state Sen. Laura Fine. Fine, a moderate backed by Rep. Brad Schneider and the Chicago Tribune editorial board, initially received significant support from anonymous groups before shifting focus to attack Biss. Abughazaleh, who criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, drew criticism for her stance, while Biss emphasized his support for a Palestinian state alongside the U.S.-Israel relationship. The race also saw a last-minute disclosure from Biss about a brief past relationship with a student, which his campaign described as “ill-advised.” In the 2nd District, Miller’s victory over former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and progressive state Sen. Robert Peters underscored her appeal to both moderate and pro-Israel Democrats.#daniel_biss #donna_miller #melissa_bean #la_shawn_ford #democratic_majority_for_israel
