Pro-Israel donors have chosen a candidate to replace Illinois Rep. Danny Davis in the Chicago congressional seat, throwing his Democratic primary campaign into the spotlight.
Jason Friedman, one of 18 candidates vying for Davis's seat, has pulled ahead in fundraising, with over $1.5 million in donations reported for October. Notably, about $140,000 comes from major pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee PAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project.
The influx of cash from these donors highlights AIPAC's interest in Friedman's campaign, as he launched his bid before Davis announced his retirement. Friedman previously served as chair of government affairs for the Jewish United Fund, a group that promotes pro-Israel narratives. His campaign platform has yet to explicitly mention Israel.
Among the pro-Israel donors backing Friedman are 35 individuals who have contributed significantly to his campaign, including those who also support United Democracy Project and AIPAC PAC. The collective total from these donors exceeds $2 million since 2021.
Critics of Friedman's candidacy point out that receiving funds from groups supporting a government accused of executing a genocide can be seen as complicit in such actions.
"If you're taking money from people who are supporting a far-right-wing government that is executing a genocide, what does that say about you?" former Illinois Congresswoman Marie Newman said. "You could be the nicest person in the world... But if you're taking money from those people, it says something about your values."
Friedman's campaign has seen significant fundraising boosts on specific days, suggesting potential involvement from a supportive political group or AIPAC. Friedman's own contributions amount to nearly $37,000.
The candidates' positions on Israel and U.S.-Israel relations remain unclear, with some expressing concerns over the influx of pro-Israel donations. The controversy highlights fault lines among Chicago Democrats regarding their stance on Israeli policies.
Jason Friedman, one of 18 candidates vying for Davis's seat, has pulled ahead in fundraising, with over $1.5 million in donations reported for October. Notably, about $140,000 comes from major pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee PAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project.
The influx of cash from these donors highlights AIPAC's interest in Friedman's campaign, as he launched his bid before Davis announced his retirement. Friedman previously served as chair of government affairs for the Jewish United Fund, a group that promotes pro-Israel narratives. His campaign platform has yet to explicitly mention Israel.
Among the pro-Israel donors backing Friedman are 35 individuals who have contributed significantly to his campaign, including those who also support United Democracy Project and AIPAC PAC. The collective total from these donors exceeds $2 million since 2021.
Critics of Friedman's candidacy point out that receiving funds from groups supporting a government accused of executing a genocide can be seen as complicit in such actions.
"If you're taking money from people who are supporting a far-right-wing government that is executing a genocide, what does that say about you?" former Illinois Congresswoman Marie Newman said. "You could be the nicest person in the world... But if you're taking money from those people, it says something about your values."
Friedman's campaign has seen significant fundraising boosts on specific days, suggesting potential involvement from a supportive political group or AIPAC. Friedman's own contributions amount to nearly $37,000.
The candidates' positions on Israel and U.S.-Israel relations remain unclear, with some expressing concerns over the influx of pro-Israel donations. The controversy highlights fault lines among Chicago Democrats regarding their stance on Israeli policies.
so like what's going on here? Pro-Israel donors are backing this guy Jason Friedman to replace Rep Davis in Chicago and it's pretty interesting that he's gotten like $1.5 million from these groups 
but isn't his campaign platform even talking about Israel? Like, doesn't that seem weird?
I mean, some people have jobs that involve working with, like, companies or stuff and they might also take a paycheck from those companies... but do we really think it's that black and white?
, can't believe these rich pro-israel donors are trying to buy a rep's seat in chicago! 
like what's next? them offering candidates free stuff for a year if they support aipac's agenda? 
, don't get me wrong, i'm all for free speech and charity... but not when it comes to israel 
and im not saying jason friedman is a bad guy or anything, but i feel like hes being used by the pro-israel groups he's getting donations from lol what does it say about his values if he takes that kind of cash 
anyway, i think marie newman got it all wrong tho... values rnt defined by 1 check