In a stunning upset, pro-Israel donors have pulled the plug on their support for former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, shifting their allegiance to centrist candidate Analilia Mejia just weeks before the New Jersey special congressional election.
According to an Intercept analysis, 30 donors from groups including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its super PAC, United Democracy Project, have funneled over $50,000 into Way's campaign in the final weeks leading up to the election. However, this last-minute surge of support appears to be a futile attempt to sway undecided voters, as Mejia has surged ahead in the polls.
The move marks a significant reversal for AIPAC, which initially supported Way but has since shifted its backing to Mejia, a Democrat who is running on a relatively centrist platform that focuses on domestic issues rather than Israel policy. This could potentially benefit progressive candidates, according to some analysts.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, a moderate Democrat who was previously the front-runner in the race, has been targeted by AIPAC's United Democracy Project with $2.3 million worth of ads that focus on immigration issues rather than Israel policy. However, these ads have largely fallen flat, failing to sway undecided voters.
Way has already garnered significant support from the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and has raised nearly half a million dollars in contributions, but her campaign trail is now facing stiff competition from Mejia's grassroots momentum. Despite this, Way remains a distant third behind Malinowski, according to public polling data.
It appears that AIPAC donors have been trying to help Way close the gap with Mejia, including retired investor Peter Langerman and Florida loan executive Joel Edelstein, both of whom have donated substantial sums to AIPAC's United Democracy Project. However, this may ultimately prove to be a losing bet, as Mejia has gained significant traction among voters in the final weeks leading up to the election.
As the race heats up, one thing is clear: pro-Israel donors are playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this special congressional election in New Jersey.
According to an Intercept analysis, 30 donors from groups including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its super PAC, United Democracy Project, have funneled over $50,000 into Way's campaign in the final weeks leading up to the election. However, this last-minute surge of support appears to be a futile attempt to sway undecided voters, as Mejia has surged ahead in the polls.
The move marks a significant reversal for AIPAC, which initially supported Way but has since shifted its backing to Mejia, a Democrat who is running on a relatively centrist platform that focuses on domestic issues rather than Israel policy. This could potentially benefit progressive candidates, according to some analysts.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, a moderate Democrat who was previously the front-runner in the race, has been targeted by AIPAC's United Democracy Project with $2.3 million worth of ads that focus on immigration issues rather than Israel policy. However, these ads have largely fallen flat, failing to sway undecided voters.
Way has already garnered significant support from the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and has raised nearly half a million dollars in contributions, but her campaign trail is now facing stiff competition from Mejia's grassroots momentum. Despite this, Way remains a distant third behind Malinowski, according to public polling data.
It appears that AIPAC donors have been trying to help Way close the gap with Mejia, including retired investor Peter Langerman and Florida loan executive Joel Edelstein, both of whom have donated substantial sums to AIPAC's United Democracy Project. However, this may ultimately prove to be a losing bet, as Mejia has gained significant traction among voters in the final weeks leading up to the election.
As the race heats up, one thing is clear: pro-Israel donors are playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this special congressional election in New Jersey.
. If Mejia wins, she might just make some progressive policies that don't align with Israel's views, which could be a problem for donors who rely on those connections 
. On the other hand, if Mejia loses, AIPAC will still have influence over her policies, right? 
But wait, maybe backing Mejia was always just a PR move to make them look more moderate and less divisive... I don't know, it all seems like a pretty shaky plan to me 
.
I'm not buying this sudden shift without some solid proof.
. seems like they're just throwing money at a losing bet, tho 
. Mejia's centrist platform is clearly resonating with voters. wonder if AIPAC is getting cold feet or just trying to prop up another Democrat 
. I think it's because Mejia's platform is more relatable to people on both sides of the aisle, you know? It's not just about Israel policy, it's about domestic issues that affect everyone. And let's be real, Mejia's got some serious grassroots momentum going on 
. But hey, AIPAC donors might still have a trick up their sleeve 
. This is definitely an interesting twist in the New Jersey special congressional election! 
. Meanwhile, Mejia's been building a grassroots movement and it's paying off 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this one plays out 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her 
it's almost like they're trying to sabotage way by throwing money at her, rather than actually helping her win 
. It's like they're trying to inject new life into her campaign 
. Meanwhile, Way is still struggling to close the gap 
. It's like AIPAC donors are throwing money at a problem that might already be insoluble 
And now they're throwing money at Mejia like she's some kind of miracle worker 
The people are waking up and seeing right through this 
. But let's be real, Mejia's centrist platform is where it's at for this election. I don't think pro-Israel donors stand a chance against that kind of momentum 
. It's like they're not even tryin' to connect with voters anymore. Anyway, one thing's for sure - this election is goin' down to the wire