Politicsope

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The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pulled funding for the reelection campaign of Rep. Scott Perry (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/York) as well as 14 other Republican lawmakers over their vote against $14 billion in emergency military assistance to Israel.

The powerful and divisive Israel-U.S. lobby group is fighting back against these GOP legislators who promote themselves and frequently sound off against those who criticize the Jewish state.

According to FEC filings, AIPAC has already funneled $12,751 into Perry’s reelection campaign in the last four months, including a $5,000 donation just a month ago.

When purusing the AIPAC PAC’s website, donors have options of contributing a custom or a pre-set amount for their preferred candidate.

For the 15 lawmakers in question, which includes five U.S. senators and 10 House legislators – donors are unable to contribute any money.

The 10 House Republicans in question — Perry, along with Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) — all voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election.

Perry’s race against Democrat Janelle Stelson in PA-10 and Zinke’s race are the only two considered competitive. The Cook Political Report recently moved PA-10 from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican.”

The incumbent reported cash on hand of $513,460.71 after the first quarter but had a burn rate of 107 percent during 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 most vehement defenders in Congress of the State of Israel,” said Perry in an email response. “I staunchly support her right to defend herself and her people by responding to the heinous and unprovoked attacks by Hamas on Oct 7th and beyond.

“I have grievous concerns, however, about provisions in the recent House funding bill that also allocates $9 billion to Hamas – terrorists! I will not support both sides of the same war; I will not support terrorists; and I will not callously, negligently, and dangerously spend hard earned American Taxpayer dollars on terrorism that not only is aimed at one of our greatest allies, but at America.”

The Stelson campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

AIPAC declined to comment on the status of their endorsements. It remains unclear if this is a temporary punitive measure or if fundraising will resume at a later date closer to November’s elections. It also remains unclear whether AIPAC will formally pull its endorsements of the candidates.