Brad Lander Is Demanding an AIPAC-Free Congressional Race
Former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander is demanding Rep. Dan Goldman sign a “People’s Pledge” ahead of the congressional primary pitting the two against each other to limit the influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC on campaign funding and advertising.
The role of the pro-Israel lobbying apparatus has become a flashpoint in the race between Brad Lander and Dan Goldman for New York District 10. (Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images)
A hotly contested primary battle for one of New York City’s coveted congressional seats has reached a breaking point over outside spending, with a progressive challenger Brad Lander demanding the incumbent Democrat, Dan Goldman, sign a joint pledge discouraging third-party advertising in their race.
The proposed pledge heightens scrutiny of campaign spending in the highly Jewish district by the pro-Israel lobby, which is dropping millions to influence Democratic primaries while it sheds support among voters and candidates amid its backing of hostilities in Gaza, Iran, and elsewhere.
There are also deep-pocketed cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence political action committees (PACs) that have backed Representative Goldman (D-NY) in the past and are now reportedly eyeing the New York race after leaving a money trail across Illinois, trying to defeat progressives.
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