A controversial ad campaign has sparked debate in New York City as three billboards in Times Square endorse Marty Dolan, a former Wall Street banker challenging Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a Democratic primary. The ads, funded by the Keep America America Fund, take aim at Ocasio-Cortez’s opposition to Amazon’s plans to build a corporate campus in Queens and highlight issues such as rising crime and illegal immigration chaos as reasons to back Dolan. The Job Creators Network, founded by billionaire Bernie Marcus, is behind the $100,000 campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez responded to the ad blitz on Twitter, pointing out that she does not accept money from corporate lobbyists and has consistently won despite facing millions of dollars in opposition funding. The billionaire behind the Job Creators Network, Marcus, has been politically active, recently cohosting a fundraiser for Donald Trump and donating to conservative causes. The feud between the nonprofit and Ocasio-Cortez dates back to 2019 when the Congresswoman opposed Amazon’s plans in Queens, leading to the first Times Square ad campaign attacking her for the lost economic opportunities.
The ads in Times Square are the latest in a series of attacks from the Job Creators Network against Ocasio-Cortez, with previous campaigns also targeting her opposition to Amazon. Despite the efforts of the nonprofit to support Dolan in his challenge to Ocasio-Cortez, the Congresswoman has a significant financial advantage with over $5 million in cash compared to Dolan’s less than $10,000 in outside donations. Dolan, a 66-year-old Wall Street veteran, has loaned his campaign over $200,000.
The involvement of billionaires and wealthy donors in political campaigns, such as the one targeting Ocasio-Cortez, raises questions about the influence of money in elections. Ocasio-Cortez’s refusal to accept money from corporate lobbyists has been a central tenet of her political identity and has resonated with her supporters. The Job Creators Network’s efforts to unseat Ocasio-Cortez may face an uphill battle due to her strong grassroots support and fundraising success.
The controversy surrounding the Times Square ad campaign highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between establishment figures and progressive newcomers like Ocasio-Cortez. The influence of wealthy donors and PACs in elections is a topic of debate as the 2022 midterm elections approach. Ocasio-Cortez’s response to the attacks on her record and policies will be closely watched as she seeks to defend her seat in Congress.
