Bernie Sanders urges Democrats to ban ‘corrupt’ AIPAC spending in primaries

Senator Bernie Sanders urged Democratic leaders to ban super PAC spending in primaries, targeting AIPAC's $32 million effort against Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Michigan primary. Sanders cited reports of further spending to support Republican Mike Rogers. He called the system 'corrupt' and urged immediate prohibition, while AIPAC defended its role.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Democratic leaders to ban super PAC spending in primaries, specifically targeting the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. In an open letter on Sunday, he urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and DNC Chair Ken Martin to end what he called a 'corrupt system' of super PAC funding. His focus was AIPAC's $32 million spending against Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary last week. Sanders cited reports that AIPAC may spend more to support Republican nominee Mike Rogers in the general election. He argued it is absurd for outside groups to try to determine the Democratic nominee and then support the Republican if they fail. Sanders also noted that corporate PACs, including crypto and AI interests, have spent a record $517 million this cycle. AIPAC responded, saying millions of Democrats are members and that Sanders wants to blacklist Americans who disagree with him. Sanders acknowledged Democrats would be disadvantaged without PAC spending in general elections but said the party should take charge of its primaries.