STATEMENT: Abdul El-Sayed Campaign on Dark Money Shell PAC’s $5.3 Million Ad Buy Boosting Rep. Stevens
MICHIGAN – Today, the Center for Democratic Priorities placed a $5.3 million buy in the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, and Traverse City media markets. The Center for Democratic Priorities bought the airtime via Waterfront Strategies, an agency that AIPAC affiliated Super PACs, such as United Democracy Project, have worked with in the past.
This ad buy comes just days after AIPAC sent fundraising emails for Rep. Stevens and Susan Collins in Maine, in a message blasting Abdul El-Sayed and Graham Platner.
“Michiganders will see through this clear attempt to buy this race for Congresswoman Stevens,” said campaign spokesperson Roxie Richner. “AIPAC has stated time and time again that they see Abdul as tremendous threat to the US-Israel relationship, due to his unwavering opposition to Netanyahu’s genocide and the unconditional aid we now give to Israel. On the other hand, Congresswoman Stevens has received over 5.4 million dollars from the pro-Israel lobby over the course of her career.”
“Abdul is the only candidate in this race who has never taken a dime of corporate PAC money or met with AIPAC,” continued Richner. “Michiganders are inspired by his message to get money out of politics, money back in pockets, and pass Medicare for All, and unfortunately for Rep. Stevens, you can’t buy your way to actual momentum.”
This is an organization that has time and time again tried to hide their influence by using other entities and PACs to direct their donors in order to buy races for candidates they support.
- In the PA-03 congressional district, AIPAC used a super PAC called 314 Action Fund to route money directly to her campaign.
- In the NJ-11 congressional district, AIPAC directed their donors to give money directly to the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association to boost their preferred candidate.
- In the OR-03 congressional district, AIPAC again directed their money through 314 Action Fund.
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