[Peace-discuss] Odd AP article on Israel lobby

[C. G. Estabrook]

	A look at pro-Israel lobbying by J Street, AIPAC
	A comparison of the resources and techniques
	of 2 pro-Israel lobbying organizations
	The Associated Press
	May 25, 2009 02:08 EST

A comparison of the approaches and resources used by two pro-Israel lobbying 
organizations: the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a well-established 
group that emphasizes support for Israel, and J Street, a liberal, year-old 
upstart focused on bringing peace to the Middle East:

CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

_ An AIPAC-backed letter signed by more than 280 House members says the 
countries involved "must negotiate the details of any agreement" and emphasizes 
"the need to work closely with our democratic ally Israel." The letter is being 
circulated by the No. 2 House leaders in each party, Reps. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., 
and Eric Cantor, R-Va. A Senate version signed by 76 senators has been sent to 
the White House.

_ A letter supported by J Street congratulates Obama for his "intention to 
provide strong American leadership" in seeking peace, adding that "implementing 
a two-state solution is essential for American interests." It has more than 60 
signatures so far in an effort led by Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.; Charles 
Boustany Jr., R-La.; and Russ Carnahan, D-Mo. There is no Senate version.

LOBBYING RESOURCES:

_ AIPAC says it has 10 registered lobbyists in Washington and reported spending 
$2.5 million for lobbying last year.

_ J Street says it has three lobbyists and is hiring a fourth. They didn't 
report spending any money on lobbying last year. Jeremy Ben-Ami, the group's 
executive director, said it spent little time lobbying last year.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS:

_ AIPAC does not give to candidates, though many of its members do individually.

_ J Street's political committee reported directing $583,000 to more than two 
dozen candidates last year. The top recipient, Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley, got 
$93,000 and won a Senate seat. House Democratic candidate Darcy Burner in 
Washington state got $58,000, the next-largest amount, and lost.

VIEWS OF EACH OTHER:

_ AIPAC will not comment directly on J Street. "AIPAC is not an ideological 
organization, unlike others on the fringe left or fringe right, who are 
attempting to promote specific ideological positions that America should then 
pressure Israel to adopt," spokesman Josh Block said.

_ J Street's Ben-Ami says his group is not anti-AIPAC, and praises AIPAC for 
promoting strong U.S. support for Israel. J Street's Web site has sharper words. 
Without naming AIPAC, the site says: "For too long, the only voices politicians 
and policymakers have heard on American policy toward Israel and the Middle East 
have been from the far right."

http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2009/05/25/D98D47JG0_us_lobbying_israel_comparisons/