$9 million from AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel helps oust pro-ceasefire Cori Bush in Missouri primary

08/09/2024 / By Richard Brown

In the recently concluded primary elections in Missouri, Rep. Cori Bush, a progressive Democrat known for her vocal criticism of Israel’s policies, especially its war on Gazans, was defeated by St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell.

Bell’s campaign benefited from substantial financial backing by pro-Israel organizations, namely the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Democratic Majority for Israel. This also marks the second time that such groups have successfully ousted a member of “The Squad,” an informal group of nine progressive – and sometimes admitted socialist – Democrats in the House of Representatives.

The Bell-Bush contest ended up becoming the fourth-most expensive House primary in the history of the United States with the help of the United Democracy Project, an AIPAC subsidiary, which funneled nearly $9 million into Bell’s campaign. This was aided by the nearly $500,000 contribution the Democratic Majority for Israel provided to Bell.

The final tally saw Bell securing 51.2 percent of the vote to Bush’s 45.6 percent. Given the district’s strong Democratic lean, Bell is expected to win the general election.

AIPAC targeting pro-peace lawmakers

AIPAC, or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, originated from the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, established in 1951 to address the fallout from the Israeli Defense Forces’ 1953 massacre in the West Bank village of Qibya. Renamed AIPAC in 1959, it grew into a powerful lobbying group with significant financial backing after the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Historically, AIPAC’s influence in Washington was significant, promoting bipartisan support for Israel and marginalizing critics. Its annual conference showcased widespread Congressional support for Israeli policies, including several Gaza wars. However, AIPAC’s influence has waned in recent years, especially among Democrats, particularly due to its staunch support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including his positions on settlement construction in the occupied West Bank and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal.

Critics in Israel, including the Tel Aviv-based newspaper Haaretz, have described AIPAC as a “pro-Netanyahu, anti-Israel lobby,” accusing it of promoting a misleading image of Israel in the U.S. and advancing Netanyahu’s extremist agenda.

Before Bush’s ouster, Rep. Jamaal Bowman from New York’s 16th congressional district was the first member of The Squad to lose the Democratic Party’s nomination, after being defeated by Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The race became notable for being the most expensive primary in U.S. history after AIPAC poured an unprecedented $14 million into the campaign. (Related: Rep. Jamaal Bowman LOSES New York primary after AIPAC dumps $14 million on single House seat race.)

Both Bush and Bowman have been critical of Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza, which has resulted in an estimated 39,000 deaths, mostly civilians, and the displacement of the vast majority of Palestinians in Gaza, with the United Nations approximating that around 90 percent of the Strip’s population have been internally displaced at least once, with many displaced multiple times. Satellite imagery from late April even indicates that nearly 60 percent of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or outright destroyed.

According to the United Nations, around 90 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced at least once, with many displaced multiple times. Satellite imagery shows that as of April 21, 57 percent of Gaza’s buildings had been damaged or destroyed.

AIPAC defended its actions by emphasizing its support for pro-Israel progressive Democrats like Bell and criticizing Bush for her opposition to mainstream Democratic support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Despite AIPAC’s claims, its financial support appears more focused on alignment with Israeli policies than on the progressive nature of its candidates.

For instance, AIPAC recently spent $300,000 targeting Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a Republican known for his anti-Israel votes, not to defeat him but to preemptively address a potential future Senate run.

Following Bush’s defeat, AIPAC celebrated the outcome on social media and issued a warning to other politicians about criticizing Israel or opposing American support for the Jewish state.

As Bush considers her political future, the influence of pro-Israel groups will likely remain a significant factor, impacting her next moves in a landscape shaped by international interests.

Watch this video of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) discussing how every member of Congress has an “AIPAC person.”

This video is from the CreeperStatus channel on Brighteon.com.