The race between a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump and Congressman Thomas Massie, a rare Republican critic of Israel, has become the most expensive House of Representatives primary in US history.
Total spending exceeded $34 million by Monday, according to official records. The election could oust one of the few Republican opponents to the war with Iran.
In the final stretch, Massie highlighted the oversized role of pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He called the election a "referendum on foreign policy" and accused pro-Israel lobby groups of trying to "bully" members of Congress.
"You can tell that I'm ahead in the polls, and they're desperate," Massie told ABC News. "That's why they're sending the secretary of war to my district tomorrow. That's why the president's losing sleep and tweeting about this. That's why AIPAC has dumped another $3m into my race this weekend."
Trump has been incessantly bashing Massie on social media. In an unusual move, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth traveled to Kentucky to campaign for Ed Gallrein, a Navy SEAL veteran challenging the congressman.
Massie has been critical of unconditional US military aid to Israel and its abuses in Gaza and Lebanon. He also helped spearhead the release of government files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The bulk of spending, more than $25.8m, came from outside super PACs. Pro-Israel groups and donors played a central role, with three groups spending over $15.5m against Massie.
United Democracy Project (AIPAC's arm) spent over $4.1m, RJC Victory Fund (affiliated with the Republican Jewish Coalition) about $3.9m, and MAGA KY $7.5m. MAGA KY's top funder is pro-Israel billionaire Paul Singer, who also donated $2.5m to UDP.
Massie has several advantages. He has built a reputation as a principled libertarian and is popular among right-wing commentators. His campaign raised $5.5m directly, significantly more than Gallrein's $3.1m. He has also been endorsed by some Republican colleagues, including right-wing lawmaker Lauren Boebert.
Source: www.aljazeera.com