A political action committee funded by a Republican megadonor is making waves in the Pennsylvania primary season by launching the first attack ads against Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa. The group, known as Moderate PAC, was established in January 2023 with the specific goal of targeting progressives in Democratic primaries. Interestingly, the funding for this group comes from Republican money, particularly from Jeffrey Yass, one of the wealthiest individuals in Pennsylvania and a significant donor to the GOP.
The ads released by Moderate PAC support Bhavini Patel, the candidate recruited by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to run against Lee. The ultimate aim is to secure a spot in the general election against Republican candidate Laurie MacDonald. While the PAC has engaged Democratic consultants like former Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, its primary financial backing comes from Yass, who is closely aligned with former President Donald Trump and has been touted as a potential Treasury secretary pick if Trump were to win the 2024 election.
Yass, a co-founder of a major hedge fund, has been actively involved in funding campaigns against progressives, with a focus on maintaining regressive tax codes and reducing funding for public schools in Pennsylvania. His involvement in Moderate PAC’s efforts to target Lee has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Usamah Andrabi, communications director for Justice Democrats, who accused Yass of being anti-democracy and unfit for Democratic primaries.
Moderate PAC’s president and founder, Ty Strong, revealed that the funds for the ads against Lee in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District were sourced from Pittsburgh area donors and labor unions. While he did not disclose the specific labor unions involved, Strong identified six individual donors, including both Republicans and Democrats. Notably, some of the donors have expressed conflicting views with Yass but have supported Moderate PAC’s initiatives nonetheless.
One of the identified donors, Evan Segal, a Democrat with ties to the Obama administration, highlighted his support for Patel based on her alignment with key Democratic leaders and issues like reproductive freedom and women’s equality. Segal’s rationale for backing Patel despite reservations about Yass’s motives underscores the complex dynamics at play in the political landscape.
Lee, on her part, remains undeterred by the attack ads and external funding against her. She has faced significant spending from pro-Israel lobbying groups in the past and has been accused of not aligning with traditional Democratic values. However, Lee’s resilience and commitment to her platform have been evident in her response to these challenges.
The ongoing primary race in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District serves as a microcosm of broader political trends, where outside influences and financial backing play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. As the campaign unfolds, the contrasting approaches of candidates like Lee and Patel, as well as the motivations behind their supporters, will continue to be scrutinized.
In conclusion, the involvement of a Republican megadonor-funded PAC in attacking a progressive Democratic candidate underscores the complexities of modern political campaigns. The clash between ideological factions and the influence of external funding sources highlight the challenges faced by candidates navigating increasingly polarized electoral landscapes. As the primary season progresses, the implications of such interventions on democratic processes and party dynamics will undoubtedly be subjects of intense debate and analysis.