No. of Recommendations: 0
Not that it makes difference. but I'll just check in with you.
I'm in the swingiest district of Pennsylvania. Right now I'm at Dunkin (rare for me on weekends---too many people) and I see the typical "Coexist" snob yoga moms, I see a tattooed "bro" type who I'll bet makes love to his guns at home, and in the parking lot is a Lambo SUV
Due to things like Social Security, Medicare, ACA - I want my side to lose---though I'm pissed how Liberals are trying so hard to not win the Senate but I digress.
This wasn't some VIP thing. In my previous life when I was 'somebody' in Virginia - it was routine to sit next to Governors Kaine or Warner and shoot the breeze or be it then Governor Warner's big ass farm estate and talk half social, and partial --- trying to get some stuff done for myself. NOW---I'm just a normal schmuck who gets a quick hello with lowly challengers :). Wifey (who always voted Republican) has been stuffing envelope with the Democratic Felines of the town for some months now so she got an invite and made me promise to behave if I go.
Anyways this week I met 2 of the potential Democratic nominees to take on Fitzpatrick. One is an establishment type--but not bad and has some life experiences. The other I met - a bit from the "Progressive" Faculty Lounge environment ---I think PHD in Math.
Steve I said only two things: 1.)The Progressive one - I told her the truth - I'm a Reagan Limbaugh guy, but I want Dems to win. I nicely said that her making Asylum Laws easier--as a prominent issue gives Republicans an easy issue. She nodded probably rolling her eyes inside.
BUT then- as you and I have talked - I individually said to BOTH: As long as a candidate openly refuses AIPAC money (they both have so far)....I will vote for that candidate regardless of party, regardless of wedge issue.
The frontrunner gave a canned 'thank you'. The Progressive actually sort of leaned in and I felt it was a sincere" thank you....that helps...."
Anyhow just passing it along. AIPAC is well funded and well organized like any good plantation owner. The slaves----need not be crabs in a bucket. We need not be divided over this issue or that. We can argue about taxes and abortion all we like-----but this one----can only be defeated with steady, consistent, respectfully loud persistence.
In the meantime I'm sorry----but Democrats should be measuring the drapes in the Senate Majority Leader's office right now. I continue to believe that the fringes - whether you agree with fringes or not----are the reason that is being held back.
No. of Recommendations: 3
BUT then- as you and I have talked - I individually said to BOTH: As long as a candidate openly refuses AIPAC money (they both have so far)....I will vote for that candidate regardless of party, regardless of wedge issue.
One of Michigan's Senators, Gary Peters, is retiring. There is a three way race for the Dem nomination. Peters, in the House from 2009-15 and in the Senate since 2015, has pocketed some $625,000 from the Israel lobby.
net sifter snips about the three Dems running against him.
The 2026 Michigan Democratic US Senate primary is a tight, competitive, and increasingly "messy" race featuring top contenders Mallory McMorrow, Abdul El-Sayed, and Haley Stevens. While Stevens entered with strong institutional support, recent polling and fundraising show momentum for challengers McMorrow and El-Sayed, with the primary set for August 4
Key Democratic Candidates & Dynamics:
Mallory McMorrow: State Senator from Royal Oak experiencing high enthusiasm and growing fundraising strength in Q1 2026. She is attempting to bridge both wings of the party.
Abdul El-Sayed: Former Wayne County health official favored by the progressive wing, including support from Bernie Sanders. He has advocated for bold policies like abolishing ICE.
Haley Stevens: US Representative from the Detroit suburbs, favored by the party establishment, who maintains a strong cash-on-hand position despite recent dips in polling.
Key Primary Issues and Split:
Policy & Strategy: The race has exposed major divisions on health care, immigration enforcement, and foreign policy (specifically regarding Israel).Corporate
Money: El-Sayed has sworn off corporate PAC money, while Stevens accepts it.
Campaign Approach: McMorrow has expressed a need to move away from a "Republican-light" strategy.
According to the net sifter, Stevens has pocketed over $1 1/4M from Israeli lobbyists since 2018, and $220,000 from AIPAC, so far, for her Senate run. Mallory McMorrow has publicly denied taking any money from Israeli lobbyists, but organizations that track activities of the Israel lobby report she has pocketed over $100,000. El-Sayed has apparently not taken a nickle from the Israel lobby, but there are other things in his platform I don't like, like "defund ICE". I think that's crazy talk, just like the "defund the police" notion, a few years ago. ICE has a legitimate job to perform, but they need to get rid of the storm trooper tactics.
The leading GOP candidate for that Senate seat, Mike Rogers, has taken $65K from the Israel lobby, but maybe the lobbyists don't think he needs to be bought, because his public pronouncements are clearly Israel first, including his support for the genocide in Gaza.
Steve
