Sue Altman, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey’s highly competitive 7th congressional district, has staked her claim as a pro-Israel Democrat, saying that she firmly believes in Israel’s right to defend itself and that the United States should remain a close ally. Today, she got an endorsement to back up those bona fides.
The Democratic Majority for Israel Political Action Committee (DMFI PAC), a group that endorses pro-Israel Democrats for Congress – and sometimes works to oust those who take stands against Israel – announced today that it will support Altman in her campaign against freshman Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield).
“The last year has made clear that it is paramount we stand firm against the threat of terror abroad and the deeply concerning rise of antisemitism at home,” Altman said in a statement. “In Congress, I will be a firm supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself and an unapologetic voice for our shared democratic values. We must work tirelessly to ensure Israel has the resources necessary to keep its people safe, see all remaining hostages released, and secure peace in the region and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.”
Since DMFI PAC only supports Democrats, of course, the endorsement was never one that could have been won by Kean. Nevertheless, it’s a sign that some pro-Israel forces feel comfortable with Altman despite her affiliation with progressives in Congress.
Kean, for his part, has the support of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the biggest and most influential pro-Israel lobby in the country.
Earlier this year, DMFI PAC was the subject of an odd dustup when the New Jersey Globe reported that the group was endorsing one of Altman’s opponents, former U.S. State Department official Jason Blazakis, in the Democratic primary to take on Kean. DMFI PAC denied that it had made any such endorsement, but internal emails refuted that; Blazakis dropped out of the race a few days later, rendering the whole issue a moot point.
DMFI PAC has also endorsed four incumbent House Democrats running in New Jersey this year: Reps. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), and Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), none of whom are facing especially competitive fights for re-election.