If Pro-Israel PAC Money Talks, It’s Saying Senators McConnell and Coleman Are in Deep Doo-Doo
| WRMEA Archives 2006-2010 - 2008 November |
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, November 2008, page 26
Election Watch
If Pro-Israel PAC Money Talks, It’s Saying Senators McConnell and Coleman Are in Deep Doo-Doo
By Janet McMahon
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THIS BEING a presidential election year, it’s understandable that all eyes are on Barack Obama and John McCain—and, at the risk of understatement, on their running mates as well. Indeed, perhaps it’s no coincidence that the candidate getting the most attention as this issue goes to press is the only one who is not a U.S. senator.
Meanwhile, however, pro-Israel PACs and their friends and contributors are busy funneling funds to favored and endangered congressional candidates. The preferred pattern is summarized by the acronym EMILY: Early Money Is Like Yeast (hint: it makes the dough rise). But it’s always important to have extra money on hand in case of emergencies—and it appears that incumbent Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Norm Coleman of Minnesota are in dire need of cash infusions.
According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by pro-Israel PACs, they contributed $42,456 to McConnell and $25,000 to Coleman between April 15 and June 30 alone. Not that the two had been neglected prior to that—both were already among the top 10 recipients of pro-Israel PAC funds for the current election cycle. Coleman was in first place, with $80,000 in pro-Israel PAC contributions, and McConnell in third, with $65,500 (see August 2008 Washington Report, p. 26).
The fact that Senate Republican Leader McConnell has leapfrogged ahead of Coleman indicates that he faces a serious challenge from Democratic candidate Bruce Lunsford—despite the fact that McConnell has raised almost four times as much as his opponent ($15 million to Lunsford’s nearly $4 million). In addition to his challenger, however, McConnell faces a vigorous and creative “Ditch Mitch” campaign at home by antiwar activists and others who believe McConnell’s 24 years in the Senate are enough, and oppose his close working relationship with President George W. Bush (see November 2007 Washington Report, p. 26).
In Minnesota, first-term Senator Coleman—also seen as consistently voting in favor of Bush administration policies—will face author, commentator and comedian Al Franken, who easily won his party’s Sept. 9 primary to secure the nomination.
Two days later, the Jewish weekly Forward noted that “Despite a Jewish population estimated at less than 1 percent of the state’s total…Minnesota will continue what has become an odd tradition of electing Jewish senators.”
Minnesota’s other senator is Amy Klobuchar, first elected in 2006.
It remains to be seen whether candidate Franken will attract his share of pro-Israel PAC contributions (assuming there are any left!). Pro-Israel PACs typically favor pro-Israel incumbents—even if they are not Jewish—and have already invested a lot in Coleman.
Franken resolved a scandal over nonpayment of taxes by agreeing to pay $70,000 in back taxes to 17 states. He has received support from such celebrities as Paul Newman, Robin Williams, Rosie O’Donnell, Al Gore daughter Karinna Gore Schiff, comedian and talk show host Bill Maher, and Larry David, co-creator and head writer of the popular “Seinfeld” TV series.
According to the Forward, “Franken and his supporters have disputed the charge that he is not as strong [as Coleman] on Israel. But Israel is hardly a top-tier issue, and neither candidate is emphasizing his faith.”
Nevertheless, the Forward article quoted Stewart Fishman, owner of Minnesota’s only full-service kosher food store, as saying that “it’s a shame” that Coleman married a non-Jew, and concluded with Coleman citing his service as a leader of the Jewish National Fund.
Regardless of who wins the Minnesota election, Israel should have nothing to worry about. Would that one could say the same about the American taypayer.
Click here for a complete listing of Pro-Israel PAC Contributions to 2008 Congressional Candidates.
Janet McMahon is managing editor of the Washington Report.
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