AIPAC's Donors Back Real Estate Tycoon Who Opposed Gaza Ceasefire For Deep Blue Chicago Seat, Backs Candidate With Ties to Pro-Israel Groups
A real estate tycoon with ties to pro-Israel groups has secured a significant amount of funding in his bid to replace Rep. Danny Davis in the March Democratic primary in Chicago. Jason Friedman, one of 18 candidates vying for the seat, has pulled ahead of the pack in fundraising, with donations totaling over $1.5 million.
Friedman's campaign has received major contributions from pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee PAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project. These donations have raised eyebrows among some Democrats, who are concerned about the influence of pro-Israel groups on the election process.
The concern is not unfounded. AIPAC has been known to use its vast network of donors to support candidates who align with its views on Israel and the Middle East. Friedman, a former Chicago real estate mogul, has not made Israel a part of his campaign platform, but he has attended events hosted by pro-Israel groups.
Friedman's campaign has also received significant funding from individuals with ties to the finance and real estate industries, where many AIPAC donors work. This has raised questions about whether Friedman is beholden to these donors and whether they will be able to influence his policy positions.
The concern about Friedman's ties to pro-Israel groups comes as the Chicago City Council narrowly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza last year. The resolution was met with opposition from some city leaders, who expressed concerns about the impact of the conflict on local communities.
Friedman's campaign has not responded to questions about his position on U.S. military funding for Israel or the war on Gaza. However, his donors have made it clear that they expect him to take a hardline stance on these issues.
One former Illinois congresswoman, Marie Newman, has criticized Friedman's fundraising from pro-Israel groups, saying that it raises questions about whether he is "taking money from people who are supporting a far right-wing government that believes in genocide and is executing a genocide."
Newman's comments highlight the growing unease among Democrats about the influence of pro-Israel groups on the election process. As the Democratic primary approaches, it remains to be seen how Friedman's campaign will navigate these concerns.
The Intercept has long covered authoritarian governments, billionaire oligarchs, and backsliding democracies around the world. We understand the challenge we face in this election and the vital importance of press freedom in defending democracy.
A real estate tycoon with ties to pro-Israel groups has secured a significant amount of funding in his bid to replace Rep. Danny Davis in the March Democratic primary in Chicago. Jason Friedman, one of 18 candidates vying for the seat, has pulled ahead of the pack in fundraising, with donations totaling over $1.5 million.
Friedman's campaign has received major contributions from pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee PAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project. These donations have raised eyebrows among some Democrats, who are concerned about the influence of pro-Israel groups on the election process.
The concern is not unfounded. AIPAC has been known to use its vast network of donors to support candidates who align with its views on Israel and the Middle East. Friedman, a former Chicago real estate mogul, has not made Israel a part of his campaign platform, but he has attended events hosted by pro-Israel groups.
Friedman's campaign has also received significant funding from individuals with ties to the finance and real estate industries, where many AIPAC donors work. This has raised questions about whether Friedman is beholden to these donors and whether they will be able to influence his policy positions.
The concern about Friedman's ties to pro-Israel groups comes as the Chicago City Council narrowly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza last year. The resolution was met with opposition from some city leaders, who expressed concerns about the impact of the conflict on local communities.
Friedman's campaign has not responded to questions about his position on U.S. military funding for Israel or the war on Gaza. However, his donors have made it clear that they expect him to take a hardline stance on these issues.
One former Illinois congresswoman, Marie Newman, has criticized Friedman's fundraising from pro-Israel groups, saying that it raises questions about whether he is "taking money from people who are supporting a far right-wing government that believes in genocide and is executing a genocide."
Newman's comments highlight the growing unease among Democrats about the influence of pro-Israel groups on the election process. As the Democratic primary approaches, it remains to be seen how Friedman's campaign will navigate these concerns.
The Intercept has long covered authoritarian governments, billionaire oligarchs, and backsliding democracies around the world. We understand the challenge we face in this election and the vital importance of press freedom in defending democracy.
I think it's kinda weird that AIPAC's donors are backing a candidate who doesn't even mention Israel on his campaign platform 
. It's like, what's their end goal here? Do they want to control the politician or just get a puppet to push their agenda? 
is super sketchy. It's like he's being bought out by these guys 
. And then you gotta wonder if he's gonna side with them on issues like Gaza 
.
. It's like they're trying to control the narrative and push their own agenda without even caring about what the people want 
. Can't we just have some politicians who care about the people instead of corporate interests? 
I'm so done with politicians taking money from pro-Israel groups! Like, what's next? Donating to the NRA and expecting them to support stricter gun control laws? 
It just doesn't add up. And Friedman's campaign is totally playing it cool about their ties to AIPAC, but come on, it's like they're hiding something. Meanwhile, Marie Newman's comments are SO relatable 
. She's right on point about the far-right government in Israel and how it's like, completely opposite of what we value as Democrats. I'm keeping an eye on this one... 
. We need to make sure we're not getting played by groups with a clear agenda, you know? 
let's just keep things in perspective and focus on the real issues at hand