Michigan GOP Senate Candidate Rogers Rejects Public AIPAC Campaign Over Political Risks

Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate candidate in Michigan, has expressed reservations about AIPAC's plan to launch a large-scale public advertising campaign supporting his candidacy. Although AIPAC is prepared to invest millions of dollars in the campaign, Rogers and his advisors fear that such a public effort could politically backfire and energize his opponents. In a meeting with AIPAC's board chairman Michael Totchin, Rogers requested a slowdown and consideration of alternative strategies. He warned that a public campaign against his Democratic rival, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who is a Muslim candidate with a history of opposing Zionism, might inadvertently boost El-Sayed's support.

AIPAC previously spent $32 million during the Democratic primaries attempting unsuccessfully to block El-Sayed, whom the organization views as a key adversary. The tension surrounding the campaign reflects broader challenges for AIPAC amid growing public anger in the U.S. over the Gaza conflict. Bobby Shustak, Rogers' campaign advisor, emphasized that Rogers values support from the Jewish and pro-Israel communities and has participated in AIPAC fundraising events. Despite concerns about a public campaign, Rogers' team remains eager to maintain backing from AIPAC and related communities.

Discussions are underway to explore alternative forms of support, including donations from AIPAC members to other organizations already supporting Rogers or funding through entities that would not publicly disclose the source. However, AIPAC leadership has expressed discomfort with any appearance of concealing its involvement.