Detroit, Michigan — Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers’ allies have asked AIPAC not to run advertisements supporting his campaign, reflecting concerns that the prominent pro-Israel group could become a liability in his closely watched race against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
According to Axios, Rogers spoke last week with AIPAC chair Michael Tuchin. The following day, the organization shelved a completed television ad targeting El-Sayed, an outspoken critic of Israel who defeated AIPAC-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary.
AIPAC and affiliated groups spent more than $30 million trying to defeat El-Sayed during that contest. Rogers’ advisers reportedly concluded that the spending helped El-Sayed portray himself as battling powerful outside interests and feared another visible AIPAC campaign could produce the same effect.
Rogers’ team has suggested alternatives, including directing pro-Israel donors toward outside groups supporting Rogers rather than advertising under AIPAC’s name. Talks between the campaign and organization have since cooled.
The tension is notable because Rogers remains strongly supportive of Israel. Michigan also has one of the nation’s largest Arab American populations, while polling cited by Axios found 55% of state voters oppose continued U.S. aid to Israel.
Rogers nevertheless told Axios he welcomes support from the pro-Israel community. The November contest is expected to be among the country’s most competitive Senate races.
Sources
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