Israel Policy Influences Illinois Primary Amid Iran Conflict
Pro-Israel groups have poured millions into Illinois contests this week. The spending aims to shape voter responses to Israel policy as tensions escalate in the Iran conflict.
Spending and dark-money tactics
Local reporting by WBEZ found AIPAC and allied donors spent roughly $13.7 million on the primaries. That total includes transfers to outside PACs and shadow groups.
Several new PACs use generic names. They share vendors with the pro-Israel lobby. Many do not reveal funders until after ballots are counted.
Targets and campaign maneuvers
A source quoted by Jewish Insider said AIPAC is focused on defeating six critics of Israeli policy across four Illinois contests. The group’s election arm, the United Democracy Project, has been central to those efforts.
In a high-profile primary for the seat left by Jan Schakowsky, 26-year-old progressive Kat Abughazaleh has challenged more established figures. Daniel Biss, backed by J Street, and State Senator Laura Fine are her main rivals.
Pro-Israel linked groups shifted tactics during the race. One ad backed Bushra Amiwala, who opposes US aid to Israel. Amiwala quickly disavowed that advertisement.
Polling and neighboring contests
A recent Public Policy Polling survey placed Biss at 24 percent and Abughazaleh at 20 percent. Fine trailed at 14 percent.
In a neighboring district, progressive Junaid Ahmed has closed ground on former Congresswoman Melissa Bean. Ahmed has framed his campaign as resisting dark money and third-party interference.
Other key primaries
The contest to replace Representative Robin Kelly features Jesse Jackson Jr and several other candidates. Donna Miller has received pro-Israel backing. State Senator Robert Peters has been openly critical of AIPAC.
On the ballot to succeed Democratic Congressman Danny Davis, activist Kina Collins is reportedly a top target for pro-Israel groups. Other contenders include Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and State Representative LaShawn Ford.
Voters will also choose candidates to succeed Senator Dick Durbin. Congresswoman Kelly, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi are among the leading Democratic contenders.
Public opinion and broader impact
Polls show Israel’s standing among many US Democrats has fallen. An NBC poll found only 17 percent of Democratic voters sympathize more with Israelis than Palestinians.
Campaign leaders and progressive groups say the Iran conflict has sharpened voter concerns. Rising fuel prices tied to the conflict have added urgency to the issue.
Usamah Andrabi of Justice Democrats told Filmogaz.com that AIPAC’s brand has become toxic among many Democratic voters. He said the lobby appears to be shifting from electing allies to blocking progressives.
Tuesday’s primaries will be an early barometer of how Israel policy influences the Illinois primary amid the Iran conflict. Results could reshape strategies for both pro-Israel groups and progressive organizers.
