(TruthAndLiberty.com) – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for heavily investing in the primary election of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), who lost to a more centrist Democrat. AIPAC, a group that generally supports pro-Israel policies and has traditionally funded more Republicans, allocated approximately $14.5 million to oppose Bowman, a critic of the Israeli government.
Ocasio-Cortez expressed her concerns about the significant financial influence in the election, highlighting that nearly $20 million was spent, an unprecedented amount in American electoral history. She raised issues about AIPAC’s involvement in Democratic primaries, considering its primarily Republican backing, and its divisive impact within the Democratic Party.
The primary saw mainstream Democrats, including figures like Hillary Clinton, supporting George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, who is a staunch supporter of Israel. This election cycle was particularly challenging for Bowman due to redistricting, which placed him in a district that included less of the heavily Democratic North Bronx and more of the moderate Westchester County.
Ocasio-Cortez also noted that the implications of such financial influence extend beyond just the primaries. She argued that it complicates building effective coalitions within the Democratic Party, which are crucial for winning more extensive state and federal races. The infusion of Republican money into Democratic primaries, she argued, aims to weaken progressive candidates like Bowman who can engage diverse communities within the party.
Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), facing a similar challenge where Israel policy is a significant issue, echoed Ocasio-Cortez’s sentiments. Bush condemned AIPAC’s role in Bowman’s defeat, attributing it to the efforts of wealthy extremists using their resources to shape political outcomes and suppress progressive voices.
George Latimer, having won the primary, is anticipated to secure a victory in the November general election.
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