Current Events > AIPAC defeats another Squad member, spending $8.5 mil to take down Cori Bush.

(+) Yeah! (+)

ST. LOUIS (AP) St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell has defeated U.S. Rep. Cori Bush in a Democratic primary in St. Louis, marking the second time this year that one of the partys incumbents has been ousted in an expensive contest that reflected deep divisions over the war in Gaza.

Bush, a member of the progressive congressional group known as the Squad, was seeking a third term in Missouris 1st Congressional District, which includes St. Louis city and part of St. Louis County. Bell is heavily favored to carry this overwhelmingly Democratic district in November, when his party is aiming to retake control of the U.S. House.

I am committed to serving the St. Louis region in Congress with integrity, transparency, and dedication, Bell said in a statement. Together, we will tackle the challenges ahead and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Bush, in a fiery concession speech, said she still has work to do, even if shell no longer be in Congress.

At the end of the day, whether Im a congresswoman or not, Im still taking care of my people, Bush said.

Bells campaign received a big boost from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, whose super political action committee, United Democracy Project, spent $8.5 million to oust Bush. She was targeted after repeated criticism of Israels response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

It was a gameplan that worked earlier this year in New York. In June, United Democracy Project spent $15 million to defeat another Squad member U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman. Bowman lost to George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist.

A statement from United Democracy Project said the wins by Bell and Latimer, along with John McGuires defeat of U.S. Rep. Bob Good in a Republican primary last week in Virginia, is further proof that being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics on both sides of the aisle. UDP will continue our efforts to support leaders working to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance while countering detractors in either political party.

Bush, in her concession speech, said she wont change.

We will keep supporting a free Palestine, Bush said. A crowd member answered back: Free, free Palestine.

They were both black so the main stream party don't give damn.

The party can't step in and declare the votes void.

Foreign interests dumping $8.5 mil into an election in fucking Missouri of all places is so wild. Was Bush's seat really worth that much?

Foreign interests dumping $8.5 mil into an election in fucking Missouri of all places is so wild. Was Bush's seat really worth that much?

$15mil against Bowman, $8.5mil against Bush. For two year House seats. They're sending a message.

A statement from United Democracy Project said the wins by Bell and Latimer, along with John McGuires defeat of U.S. Rep. Bob Good in a Republican primary last week in Virginia, is further proof that being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics on both sides of the aisle. UDP will continue our efforts to support leaders working to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance while countering detractors in either political party.

Their main targets eventually are probably Tlaib and AOC. If they ever take those 2 down, it's over

AOC won her primary so she's all set. Ilhan Omar is next in their cross hairs.

Doesn't mean they won't try again next time she is up for election. AOC is the leader of the squad

Tlaib is Palestinian so.... she is obviously very much targeted

Ilhan Omar just won her primary. AIPAC in tears.

AIPAC should be declared a hate group

but to be clear Bush lost because she was a s***ty rep and didnt represent her constituents well.

AIPAC should be declared a hate group

It's the same with Bowman. He lost by FIFTEEN points. I know money helps... but usually not to that extent