Pro-Israel Donors Fuel Rise of Real Estate Tycoon as AIPAC's Likely Candidate for Chicago Seat
A group of major donors to pro-Israel groups has backed a real estate tycoon, Jason Friedman, in his bid to replace Rep. Danny Davis in the March Democratic primary next year. The campaign has raised over $1.5 million, with about 140,000 dollars coming from major funders of pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project.
Friedman's fundraising surge is an early sign that he's on AIPAC's radar. Despite not making Israel a key part of his campaign platform, Friedman has received significant support from pro-Israel donors. Over 35 AIPAC donors have given money to his campaign, with many more contributing to its affiliated PACs.
Friedman, a former Chicago real estate mogul, is running largely on taking on President Donald Trump on issues like healthcare and education. However, some Democrats are criticizing Friedman's ties to pro-Israel groups, saying they raise questions about his stance on U.S. military funding for Israel and the war in Gaza.
The campaign has seen significant fundraising boosts from donors with connections to the finance and real estate industries. Friedman has also given $36,750 of his own money to his campaign.
Former Rep. Marie Newman criticized Friedman's influx of cash, saying it raises concerns about whether he believes in genocide. "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?" she said.
The Intercept has reported that at least 17 Friedman donors have given to the United Democracy Project, with contributions totaling over $1.6 million. These donations include six-figure and five-figure contributions from individuals like gaming executive Greg Carlin and investor Tony Davis.
Friedman's campaign did not respond to requests for comment. However, his campaign website outlines his views on issues like healthcare, education, and job training. Friedman has also given $36,750 of his own money to his campaign.
AIPAC has not said publicly whether it is backing a candidate in the race, but its donors' support for Friedman is seen as an early sign that he's likely to receive its endorsement.
A group of major donors to pro-Israel groups has backed a real estate tycoon, Jason Friedman, in his bid to replace Rep. Danny Davis in the March Democratic primary next year. The campaign has raised over $1.5 million, with about 140,000 dollars coming from major funders of pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and its super PAC, United Democracy Project.
Friedman's fundraising surge is an early sign that he's on AIPAC's radar. Despite not making Israel a key part of his campaign platform, Friedman has received significant support from pro-Israel donors. Over 35 AIPAC donors have given money to his campaign, with many more contributing to its affiliated PACs.
Friedman, a former Chicago real estate mogul, is running largely on taking on President Donald Trump on issues like healthcare and education. However, some Democrats are criticizing Friedman's ties to pro-Israel groups, saying they raise questions about his stance on U.S. military funding for Israel and the war in Gaza.
The campaign has seen significant fundraising boosts from donors with connections to the finance and real estate industries. Friedman has also given $36,750 of his own money to his campaign.
Former Rep. Marie Newman criticized Friedman's influx of cash, saying it raises concerns about whether he believes in genocide. "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?" she said.
The Intercept has reported that at least 17 Friedman donors have given to the United Democracy Project, with contributions totaling over $1.6 million. These donations include six-figure and five-figure contributions from individuals like gaming executive Greg Carlin and investor Tony Davis.
Friedman's campaign did not respond to requests for comment. However, his campaign website outlines his views on issues like healthcare, education, and job training. Friedman has also given $36,750 of his own money to his campaign.
AIPAC has not said publicly whether it is backing a candidate in the race, but its donors' support for Friedman is seen as an early sign that he's likely to receive its endorsement.
A real estate tycoon, Jason Friedman, is getting backed by pro-Israel donors who are basically just using their wealth to influence politics 
. Like, what's the deal with all these big donations? It's not like he even mentions Israel on his campaign platform 
... it's just a bunch of money being funneled into his campaign from people who want him to be a puppet for AIPAC 
.
It's just a bunch of empty rhetoric without any real substance. And now we're supposed to trust him because of these big donations from pro-Israel groups? 
Please.
. Can't we just have some genuine candidates who actually care about the people they're representing? 
Not just whoever has the most donors 
. I mean, what's up with that? Is it just a coincidence that he's not making Israel a key part of his campaign platform? 
and see how it all plays out in the Democratic primary next year 
.
. I'm all for having candidates who can bring people together, but this feels like he's being bought out by the very people who are supposed to be his opponents 
. Friedman's campaign platform is still pretty vague when it comes to these topics, and some are worried about his views on the war in Gaza 
. I think we need to keep an eye on this and make sure our elected officials are representing all people, not just a specific group of donors 
.
. I mean, what's the connection between healthcare, education, and Israel? Is it just a convenient coincidence or are these donors trying to buy influence? 