Sue Altman Endorsed by Genocide Lobby
Sue Altman is a supposedly “progressive” Democratic candidate running for New Jersey’s 7th District. On September 13th, Altman revealed her party’s intentions by accepting an endorsement from a prominent Israel PAC, Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI). The New Jersey Globe reported that Altman issued the following statement regarding the endorsement: “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…”
Altman is a former director of the Working Families Party, a minor party that has called for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and an end to at least some weapons sales to Israel. Voters may have assumed that Altman’s role with the Working Families Party would have placed her in the anti-genocide camp, but the recent endorsement from DMFI and her campaign’s subsequent statement highlights the Democratic party’s unconditional support for genocide.
Andrew Black, the Green Party candidate for New Jersey’s 7th District, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and an arms embargo against Israel. This position follows the consensus of the majority of Americans, who agree that a ceasefire is necessary, as well as both U.S. domestic & international law.
Altman, on the other hand, has now isolated herself from a large number of voters who will refuse to vote for Israel’s crimes. The national “No Votes for Genocide” campaign first formed in the state of New Jersey, and its message calls on voters to reject candidates who do not support Palestine in the face of Israel’s genocide. Another campaign, known as “Reject AIPAC,” has called on candidates to not only refuse donations from the Israel lobby (including DMFI), but to also reject endorsements from the Israel lobby. Reject AIPAC’s virtual companion, “Track AIPAC,” has already issued a warning regarding Altman’s endorsement.
Altman’s break from progressive norms highlights a growing rift between progressives and the Democratic party as the 2024 General election looms.
