Bowman launches attack on primary rival: Accuses of favoring GOP donors
Rep. Jamaal Bowman intensifies his campaign against challenger George Latimer before their primary showdown. President Biden’s stance on withholding weapons from Israel during a potential conflict in Rafah triggers Bowman’s criticism towards Latimer for remaining silent on the matter. Bowman accuses Latimer of favoring Republican donors, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee supporting him.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is going on the attack ahead of his primary race against challenger Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday he would withhold sending offensive weapons to Israel if the Middle Eastern ally began a ground invasion into Rafah. Bowman, the pro-Palestinian incumbent, attacked his opponent for reportedly not commenting on Biden’s decision.
“My opponent refuses to stand with President Biden,” Bowman posted on X in response to a post that claimed Latimer would not comment on Biden’s plans. Bowman supported Biden’s move to pause some arms going overseas.
“Make no mistake, this is George Latimer siding with his Republican megadonors over President Biden,” He continued.
My opponent refuses to stand with President Biden.
Make no mistake, this is George Latimer siding with his Republican megadonors over President Biden. https://t.co/YV2NxcAq3u
— Rep. Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (@JamaalBowmanNY) May 9, 2024
The “Republican megadonor” Bowman referred to is likely the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which is backing Latimer. The political action committee has donated to politicians on both sides of the aisle.
In February, Latimer’s campaign was largely funded by AIPAC, with a $600,000 donation making up 40% of the fundraising by that point. The spending is part of a larger goal by AIPAC to oust progressive “Squad” House Democrats who have been increasingly critical of Israel.
While Latimer has maintained strong support for Israel, he did condemn the Israel Defense Forces attack on the World Central Kitchen aid vehicle in April. Jews make up a sizable population of Westchester County, which could help Latimer, as Bowman has been especially critical of Israel in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.
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According to an April poll, Bowman was trailing Latimer by 17 points. The poll found that 52% of those polled said they would support Latimer in the primary over the 35% who backed Bowman for reelection. The poll also found that 60% of the district had a favorable view of the United States sending more aid to Israel.
New York is holding its primary on June 25, where Bowman and Latimer will compete to be the Democratic nominee for New York’s 16th Congressional District.
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