Pro-Israel groups have launched a campaign against a former congressman who has a record hostile toward Israel.
The Republican Jewish Coalition and the United Democracy Project (UDP), the latter of which is affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, announced they are campaigning against former Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.), who is running for his old seat in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District to succeed retiring Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.).
A spokesperson for the group confirmed the report that it has a $500,000 ad buy.
“John Hostettler voted against giving aid to Israel over and over again. Hostettler is one of the most anti-Israel politicians in America. With Israel under attack, we can’t send John Hostettler to Congress.”
The RJC is supporting state Sen. Mark Messmer in the May 7 primary.
“We are deeply troubled by John Hostettler’s past record and RJC is committed to ensuring he does not get back to Congress,” said RJC CEO Matt Brooks in a statement.
“Hostettler has consistently opposed vital aid to Israel, trafficked antisemitic conspiracy theories, and voted against a 2000 resolution which supported Israel and condemned Palestinian leadership over the violence of the second Intifada,” he continued.
A contact for the Hostettler campaign could not be found.
He also blasts the fiscal mess in Washington.
Mr. Hostettler was in Congress between 1995 and 2007. He voted against the Iraq War. He lost in 2006 to former Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.).
UDP, according to its website, “is an organization comprised of American citizens—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—united in the belief that America’s partnership with our democratic ally Israel benefits both countries.
“United Democracy Project works to help elect candidates that share our vision and will be strong supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress.”
UDP was founded in 2021 as AIPAC and made its first foray into the election campaign arena by boosting pro-Israel candidates on both sides of the aisle and opposing anti-Israel candidates, mostly Democrats.
Its first campaign cycle was the 2022 midterms.
This year, UDP is especially looking to unseat members of the far-left and anti-Israel Congressional group “The Squad” including Reps. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.).
UDP and RJC are not the only pro-Israel groups taking on anti-Israel candidates.
Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) announced on April 3 its backing of Westchester County Executive George Latimer and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell.
Mr. Bowman and Ms. Bush have a record that has been criticized as hostile toward Israel.
