One of probably the most outspoken Massachusetts members of Congress who has moved to the far left could possibly be focused subsequent yr by a average opponent — presumably backed by a robust pro-Israel group that has pledged to spend tens of millions taking up liberal Democrats.
Since unseating former U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano 5 years in the past, congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has not been critically examined both by Republicans or Democrats.
But Pressley’s aggressive criticism of Israel may put her on the hotseat with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
AIPAC, lengthy an influence PAC in Washington, is promising to spend $100 million to defeat far left members of Congress like members of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Squad” who’ve been opponents of Israel’s navy actions within the Mideast.
That may embody Pressley, the previous Boston metropolis councilor who rose to fame by taking up and defeating Capuano, the long-serving Democratic stalwart from Somerville.
“We are currently evaluating races concerning Israel detractors, but no decisions have been made,” AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittmann mentioned.
While nobody has emerged but to problem Pressley, one intriguing identify is Josh Kraft, the son of Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft, who heads the Patriots’ philanthropic basis and has lengthy been concerned in charity work within the Boston space.
Kraft just lately purchased property in Boston’s North End, which is a part of Pressley’s district.
Kraft has expressed an curiosity in presumably exploring working for workplace sooner or later, admitting he has been approached by folks to run. There is a buzz in political circles round his identify.
But fairly than tackle incumbent Boston Mayor Michelle Wu – which might most likely finish badly – Kraft, who has contributed to Democrats, may as an alternative concentrate on Pressley’s seat.
Since successful her seat, Pressley has used it as a platform for a lot left speaking factors like canceling scholar debt, decreasing the voting age to 16 and opposing Israel’s offensive towards the terrorist group Hamas.
Quite a bit has modified since she beat Capuano. She’s moved towards probably the most excessive fringe of the occasion.
She’s not very seen or accessible aside from pleasant radio interviews or pre-planned press statements on social media.
Could there be room for a Democrat who’s not to this point left?
Unlike different members of the Massachusetts delegation, who concentrate on successful cash for initiatives like renovating bridges and roads, Pressley’s speaking about nationwide points and relishing her function within the Squad.
Will it work? What do folks within the district actually consider her file?
Could she presumably be out of contact along with her district?
Those questions can be answered if Pressley receives a critical problem in 2024.
Whether it’s Josh Kraft or one other Democrat, Pressley’s opponent would probably should be closely financed by average Democratic teams like AIPAC or presumably self-financed, as a result of she can be powerful to beat.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”