The American Commission on Israel Public Affairs (AIPAC) withdrew funding for its re-election campaign Rep. Scott Perry (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/York), as well as 14 other Republican lawmakers, for voting against providing $14 billion in military aid to Israel.
A powerful and divisive Israeli-American lobby group is fighting against GOP lawmakers who promote themselves and often speak out against those who criticize the Jewish state.
According to FEC documentsOver the last four months, AIPAC has already donated $12,751 to Perry’s re-election campaign, including a $5,000 donation just last month.
By using the AIPAC PAC website, donors have the option to donate a custom or pre-determined amount to their preferred candidate.
For the 15 lawmakers mentioned, including five U.S. senators and 10 House legislators, donors cannot give any money.
10 House Republicans mentioned – Perry with Representatives Andy Biggs (R-Ariza.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Ralph Norman (RS.C.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) i Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) — All voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election.
Perry’s race against the Democrat Janelle Stelson in PA-10 and Zinke’s race are the only ones considered competitive. Cook Political Report recently moved PA-10 from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican”.
The incumbent informed money to hand was $513,460.71 after the first quarter, but the burn rate was 107% in the first three months of 2024. Stelson enters the general campaign with $242,188.58 on hand.
“I have been and remain one of the staunchest defenders in Congress of the State of Israel,” Perry said in an email response. “I firmly support her right to defend herself and her nation, responding to the heinous and unprovoked attacks by Hamas on October 7 and later.
“However, I have serious concerns about the provisions of the recent House of Representatives funding bill, which also allocates $9 billion to Hamas – the terrorists! I will not support both sides of the same war; I will not support terrorists; and I will not callously, carelessly and dangerously spend hard-earned American taxpayer dollars on terrorism that targets not only one of our greatest allies, but also America.”
Stelson’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
AIPAC declined to comment on the status of its endorsements. It is unclear whether this is a short-lived punitive measure or if fundraising will resume at a later date, closer to the November election. It is also unclear whether AIPAC will formally withdraw its support for the candidates.
