Title: AIPAC’s Secret Involvement in Portland’s Congressional Race: Unveiling the Hidden Agenda
Introduction:
In a surprising turn of events, a super PAC known for supporting “pro-science” candidates has poured an unprecedented amount of money into a congressional race in Portland, Oregon. The 314 Action Fund, which aims to elect Democrats with a scientific background, has spent $1.7 million on a single candidate, Maxine Dexter, in the 3rd Congressional District’s open Democratic primary. This sudden influx of funds has raised questions about the true intentions behind the super PAC’s actions.
The Targeted Candidate:
Maxine Dexter, a state representative and local doctor, has become the beneficiary of 314 Action Fund’s massive spending. Interestingly, Dexter was previously floated as a potential pro-Israel candidate by the news outlet Jewish Insider. This connection raises suspicions about the involvement of pro-Israel groups in the race.
AIPAC’s Secret Involvement:
According to two Democratic members of Congress familiar with the situation, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is secretly funneling money into the race through 314 Action Fund. AIPAC, known for its pro-Israel stance, has targeted Susheela Jayapal, the former Multnomah County Commissioner and sister of Rep. Pramila Jayapal. The suspicion arises from concerns that Susheela Jayapal’s politics on Israel-Palestine may align with her sister’s, who called for a ceasefire in the recent conflict in Gaza.
Pro-Israel Community’s Intentions:
The pro-Israel community had expressed early on its intention to target Jayapal due to concerns about her stance on Israel. A December article in Jewish Insider highlighted the worries among local pro-Israel advocates and named Dexter as a potential alternative candidate. Dexter launched her campaign on the same day as the article’s publication, further fueling speculation about her alignment with pro-Israel interests.
The Enormous Last-Minute Spending:
The sudden surge in spending by 314 Action Fund and the involvement of a new super PAC called “Voters for Responsive Government” have raised eyebrows. The total spending in the race is expected to exceed $3 million, a significant amount for a relatively inexpensive media market. The new PAC, registered on April 1, has purchased nearly $1 million worth of airtime, primarily targeting Jayapal with negative ads.
Questioning Transparency:
Jayapal and another candidate, Eddy Morales, have called for transparency and urged Dexter and 314 Action Fund to disclose the identity of their donors. The lack of transparency raises concerns about the influence of dark money in politics and the need for voters to know who is funding campaigns.
Attempts to Extract Information:
Organizations supportive of Palestinian rights have attempted to extract more information from Dexter regarding her position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, Dexter’s campaign has been unresponsive, declining invitations to attend a forum on the conflict and not filling out a questionnaire on her positions.
Campaign Finance Law Implications:
The use of vaguely named PACs to obscure donors’ true agendas raises questions about campaign finance laws. While donors have the right to contribute freely, voters also have the right to know who is funding campaigns and speaking on their behalf. AIPAC has previously employed similar tactics in other races, such as routing funds through a super PAC called New York Progressive.
Challenges for Jayapal:
AIPAC’s recruitment efforts to find a challenger for Jayapal have faced resistance from local elected officials. A recent poll conducted by Jayapal’s campaign showed her with a high favorability rating and support for her stance on a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the situation remains uncertain as the election approaches.
Conclusion:
The secret involvement of AIPAC in Portland’s congressional race has shed light on the influence of pro-Israel groups and the use of super PACs to obscure donors’ true intentions. The lack of transparency raises concerns about the integrity of campaign finance laws and the need for voters to be aware of who is funding political campaigns. As the election date approaches, the race in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District remains highly contested and closely watched.
