Pro-Israel group renews attack on Summer Lee days ahead of general election

In the race for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, a pro-Israel group is renewing its attack on Democratic candidate Summer Lee. 

United Democracy Project, a political action committee affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, launched a $78,684-direct mail campaign on Wednesday – just days before the Nov. 8 general election, attacking Lee for her “dangerous views of the U.S.-Israel alliance.”

According to its website, UDP “works to help elect candidates that share our vision and will be strong supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress.”

This is not the first time Lee, who represents Allegheny County’s 34th state House District, and has previously voiced concern about human rights violations against Palestinians, has been the subject of political attacks from the PAC. 

In April, the group launched a local ad campaign, accusing Lee of wanting to “dismantle” the Democratic party. 

To date, UDP has spent more than $2 million opposing Lee, according to Federal Election Commission data.

In an Oct. 31 email, Lee’s campaign accused the organization of gatekeeping left-of-center candidates.

“It’s not about protecting our democracy, it’s about keeping progressives out of it,” the campaign email reads. 

UDP did not respond to the Capital-Star’s request for comment. 

AIPAC, which is throwing its support behind a bipartisan lawmakers in races across the country, has Pennsylvania incumbent U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District; Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District; Madeleine Dean, D-4th District; Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District; Susan Wild, D-7th District; Matt Cartwright, D-8th District; Scott Perry, R-10th District; Lloyd Smucker. R-11th District; Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District; Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-15th District; and Mike Kelly, R-16th District, listed as “featured candidates” on its website. All are seeking re-election on Nov. 8.

The site also lists candidates who have previously challenged the results of the 2020 election, including, U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.