Secretary of Defense Ash Carter receives the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress Eisenhower Award in Washington D.C., March 23, 2015. (DoD photo by Senior Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz)(Released)
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has informed the Americans-Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC) that it does not want direct support. However, Rogers’ campaign is encouraging AIPAC donors to contribute to his PAC.
According to Axios, AIPAC was prepared to launch ads in favor of Rogers following Abdul El-Sayed winning the Democratic primary over AIPAC-backed Haley Stevens. El-Sayed frequently criticized Israel and Stevens’ support from AIPAC on the campaign trail.
Rogers’ campaign believes that Stevens’ support from AIPAC hurt her chances of winning the primary.
However, Rogers is still seeking support from pro-Israeli donors. People familiar with the matter told Axios that Rogers’ allies are urging AIPAC donors to support the candidate. The strategy has caused a rift between Rogers and AIPAC, with talks between the two completely halted.
Some Jewish Republicans are trying to break the deadlock between the two sides. Republicans are split on whether the rift will persist, and AIPAC will remain on the sidelines, or the massive PAC will attempt to influence the outcome of the race.
The American people are turning against the special relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv, and Israel’s influence in politics.
