In Maryland, AIPAC has poured $4.2M into a congressional primary where Israel is not an issue

• Published date: 14 May 2024
• Author: RON KAMPEAS/JTA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

No one is sure why, including Elfreth

"I'm uncomfortable with dark money as well," she told Maryland Matters, a political news site, regarding UDP, which is a super PAC. She made the comment in April after three of her opponents staged a press conference decrying the huge injection of outside money into the race to replace Rep. John Sarbanes, who is retiring. Super PACs may spend unlimited amounts of cash on a race, but are barred by law from coordinating with campaigns.

"I don't like it, Elfreth added. "But I'm not in a position to say no to people who want to amplify my message."

Polls show Elfreth and Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer, leading the crowded field. Dunn physically battled with rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, when former President Donald Trump spurred his followers to mob the US Capitol in order to overturn his defeat.

Dunn and Elfreth started the campaign with virtually identical positions on Israel, backing emergency defense funding for its war against Hamas, a bottom line for AIPAC.

In direct campaign funding, Dunn is beating Elfreth, $4.5 million to $1.45 million. But the UDP funding has given the two candidates similar war chests.

Opponent echoes critics

The effect of the unsolicited giving has...