Following the announcement that Daniel Biss is the projected winner in the IL-9 Democratic Primary, J Street’s President, Jeremy Ben-Ami, released the following statement:
“Daniel Biss’ victory tonight is a win for democracy and a clear rejection of efforts to buy this primary.
AIPAC and its affiliates poured more than $7 million into a Democratic primary to stamp out opposition to Netanyahu’s policies – using shell PACs to obscure their involvement – and the voters rejected that effort.
Tonight’s results should send a clear message to candidates across the country: you do not have to fear AIPAC’s spending or intimidation. Standing on principles and trusting voters matters more than outside money.
J Street was proud to stand publicly with Daniel Biss, bundling more than $200,000 for his campaign, while our connected SuperPAC, the J Street Action Fund, invested an additional $150,000 in support. We knocked on doors, made phone calls, and turned out the significant J Street constituency in Illinois’ 9th Congressional district.
We supported Biss because he represents the values we believe voters are looking for – a commitment to Israel’s security alongside support for Palestinian freedom, and the understanding that these goals are not in conflict, but inseparable.”