Rogers team urged AIPAC to stay off TV in Michigan Senate race
Why it matters: The move reflects fears that visible AIPAC spending could help Democrat Abdul El-Sayed with Gaza-war voters.
Allies of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers asked pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC not to run direct advertising for him in Michigan's November midterm contest against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, according to Axios as cited by Republika. The request was aimed at keeping AIPAC in a behind-the-scenes role because Rogers' camp feared a high-profile ad blitz could strengthen El-Sayed's message with voters angered by Israel's war in Gaza. El-Sayed, a sharp critic of Israel, won the Democratic primary despite roughly $30 million in AIPAC spending meant to stop him. Republika reported that the request angered AIPAC officials who wanted a more visible role in the race.