Title: AIPAC and Republican Donors Rally Behind Maxine Dexter in Oregon Congressional Race
Introduction:
In a surprising turn of events, pro-Israel donors have contributed nearly $220,000 to support Maxine Dexter, a congressional candidate in Portland, Oregon. This influx of funds comes as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) seeks to block Dexter’s opponent, Susheela Jayapal, who has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and conditions on U.S. aid to Israel. The sudden surge in donations has upended the open primary race, where Dexter was previously considered out of contention due to poor fundraising and low name recognition.
The Influence of Pro-Israel Advocates:
Pro-Israel advocates had identified Jayapal as a target early on in the race and had suggested Dexter as an alternative candidate to consolidate around. However, openly backing Dexter with money from pro-Israel and GOP donors would come at a political cost in Portland, known for its progressive leanings. Other progressive candidates, such as Rep. Summer Lee and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, have successfully fended off primary challenges by criticizing opponents for accepting Republican cash. Dexter, on the other hand, has benefited from Republican and AIPAC donors through loopholes in campaign finance law that are only now coming to light.
AIPAC’s Secret Operation:
AIPAC’s involvement in the race has been shrouded in secrecy. The organization reportedly funneled money through a super PAC called 314 Action Fund, which typically supports candidates with science backgrounds. This operation allowed AIPAC to avoid disclosing its donors until just before the primary election. A staffer at 314 Action confirmed the PAC’s role in stopping Jayapal’s campaign and revealed plans to expand their efforts to other races, including that of Rep. Cori Bush, another AIPAC target.
Dark Money and Loopholes:
Dexter has claimed ignorance regarding the source of the dark money backing her campaign. However, evidence suggests that many of the donors who contributed to Dexter’s campaign through the recent fundraiser have direct ties to AIPAC or its super PAC. The use of bundling donations to approved candidates is a common practice in politics, as revealed by an undercover documentary. This practice allows donors to meet with candidates privately and contribute significant amounts of money.
The Impact on the Race:
The sudden surge in fundraising has closed the gap between Dexter and Jayapal, who had previously raised more than any other candidate. Dexter, a doctor and Oregon state representative, entered the race at the urging of the local pro-Israel community, concerned about Jayapal’s potential alignment with her sister’s politics regarding Israel-Palestine. Jayapal’s critical stance on Israel and refusal to accept AIPAC money have made her a target for AIPAC’s intervention.
The Ads and Accusations:
Super PACs funded by AIPAC have launched attack ads against Jayapal, blaming her for Portland’s homelessness crisis and even accusing her of animal abuse. These ads do not mention the Israel-Gaza conflict, despite Israel’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Conclusion:
The influx of funds from pro-Israel donors and AIPAC’s involvement in the race has significantly impacted the dynamics of the Oregon congressional primary. Maxine Dexter, previously considered an underdog, now stands a chance against frontrunner Susheela Jayapal. The influence of dark money and the use of loopholes in campaign finance law raise concerns about transparency and the role of special interest groups in shaping political outcomes.
