AIPAC Money

I want to be clear at the outset: We don't know if Jessica Steinmann has accepted donations from AIPAC (the American Israel Political Affairs Committee).

If she hasn't taken a dime from that organization, then she is to be commended.

My bet, however, is that AIPAC HAS contributed plenty to her campaign in the 8th Congressional District. Our problem is that we just don't have hard data one way or the other... yet.

I'll tell you what we DO know, however. We know for a fact that AIPAC gave over $31,000 to the Republican politician she hopes to replace. That would be Morgan Luttrell; also known as: "the man who wants to spend more time with his family", after only two short terms in office. (Source: trackaipac.com via Federal Election Commission.)

Why am I bringing this up? What difference does it make to citizens of the Eighth?

Well, I guess this matter underscores the importance of a position that Laura has taken; namely, that she simply will not accept donations from any company, lobby, or individual who seeks to bend public policy in a "preferred" direction.

Would that money be helpful? No question about it! Donations are always helpful to someone who is running for office.

BUT...

Laura completely understands that big money comes with strings, and that allows her to avoid imagined phone conversations like this one:

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[RING RING RING...]

[AIPAC Congressional Relations Manager:] Good morning, Mr. Luttrell! We've got a big vote coming up. As you know, it's vital that we support Israel's right to defend itself. I was just calling to make sure that you're onboard with that.

[Morgan Luttrell:] Oh, yes sir, yes sir! My vote will be there for you!

***************************

See what I mean? 

In some ways, the job of a congressional representative is like that of a judge. We all hope that our rep will evaluate the evidence on its merits, and then make a decision that benefits as many constituents as possible.

When your rep takes a big wad of cash from people on one side of a hot issue, objectivity flies right out the window.

To sum up: We DON'T know if Jessica Steinman has taken AIPAC money, as Morgan Luttrell most definitely has. Nevertheless, we DO know that she has accepted moolah from all sorts of other donors, most of whom are in the oil and gas industry. Thus, it should not shock anyone to learn that AIPAC has padded her bank account, just to make sure they can "count on her vote".

This November, I hope you'll choose Laura Jones to represent the district -- if, for no other reason than this: NO ONE can pay to "count on her vote".

Steve Kobb

Concerned Citizen