Republican makes unusual request to pro-Israel lobby

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers asked AIPAC to refrain from publicly supporting his candidacy, fearing negative impact on his chances due to the state's large Arab population. The lobby agreed not to air a prepared video against his Democratic opponent.

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers made an unusual request to the largest pro-Israel lobby AIPAC — to refrain from publicly supporting his candidacy. The politician fears that open association with the lobby could harm his electoral chances in a state with the highest percentage of Arab population in the country, a significant portion of which is critical of Israel. Last week, Rogers held a meeting in Los Angeles with AIPAC head Michael Tuchin. Following this, the lobby's leadership decided not to show a prepared video targeting his main opponent, Democrat Abdul al-Said. Earlier, Rogers' campaign had warned the lobby about the risks and proposed a compromise involving hidden financial assistance, but AIPAC insisted on an open display of support. Experts view this step as an indicator of a serious transformation in American politics, where even traditional supporters of Israel are forced to distance themselves from influential lobbying structures to win elections.