Cori Bush Targeted by Pro-Israel PAC

In a highly competitive primary race, the spending dynamics have shifted dramatically, with the campaign against Congresswoman Cori Bush being one of the most expensive in U.S. history. Challenger Carla Bell has adopted a strategy reminiscent of Democrat George Latimer, who previously defeated Bush. Bell's campaign focuses on criticizing Bush for her perceived ideological rigidity and lack of responsiveness to constituents, particularly highlighting Bush's vote against President Biden’s infrastructure bill. An ad from the United Democracy Project encapsulates this sentiment, accusing Bush of betraying both the president and the city of St. Louis. Bush, on the other hand, has framed her campaign as a struggle between grassroots support and the influence of big money, a tactic that has previously proven effective for progressive candidates. Since his election to the Ferguson City Council in 2015, Bush's opponent has positioned himself as a champion of progressive values, having successfully unseated a long-standing prosecutor in 2018. Bell's entry into the race was initially unexpected, as he had previously assured Bush he would not run, a statement he now attributes to the changing political landscape following the recent attacks in Israel. The financial backing for both candidates reflects their contrasting political ideologies. Bell has garnered support from pro-Israel groups and PACs aligned with more centrist and moderate Democratic values, while Bush is backed by progressive organizations like Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party. The editorial board of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has also expressed support for Bell, adding another layer of complexity to this contentious primary battle.