NJ-07: Murky PAC meddling in Democratic primary to hurt Bennett
Have Republicans started meddling in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th district to hurt Rebecca Bennett, the race’s apparent Democratic frontrunner? Bennett’s campaign thinks so.
A murky new super PAC called “Real Change PAC” has begun sending out anti-Bennett mailers and airing ads that accuse Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, of being insufficiently progressive. Bennett, the ad says, won’t commit to abolishing ICE and previously had personal investments in ICE contractors; it contrasts that favorably with two of her Democratic foes, Tina Shah and Brian Varela, who have been more supportive of dismantling ICE.
Essentially nothing is known yet about the PAC, which was formed on May 11 with a Nebraska address and which claims that its mission is “electing grassroots candidates who are committed to progressive values.” The PAC did not respond to an email requesting comment on the new expenditures, which were paid to a Florida-based consulting firm that similarly has virtually no online footprint, and no one involved in the race in New Jersey claims to have any knowledge of its motives.
Real Change PAC’s treasurer, Nathan Letourneau, has also taken extra steps to make sure voters aren’t able to see who’s funding it until after the June 2 primary is already over. Shortly after the PAC began spending on the 7th district race, it filed paperwork revising its filing frequency such that it won’t have to file its first fundraising report until June 20.
https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/murky-pac-meddling-in-nj-7-to-hurt-bennett/