Pro-Ala Stanford super PAC pulls ads from TV in final stretch of Philly congressional race
Inquirer.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Washington-based super PAC 314 Action Fund, which spent $3.5 million supporting Ala Stanford for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District seat, pulled its TV ads off the air in early May after polling showed Stanford’s support declining sharply.
- Despite stopping TV advertising, 314 Action Fund continues to back Stanford through mail ads, while Stanford’s own campaign runs fewer TV ads; meanwhile, State Rep. Chris Rabb leads on airwaves with about $1 million spent by progressive groups.
- Stanford’s campaign faced setbacks including a problematic immigration interview, undisclosed nonprofit income, and skipping a major debate, contributing to her drop in poll standings behind Rabb and State Sen. Sharif Street.
- Accusations surfaced that the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC funded 314’s efforts, but both 314 and AIPAC denied involvement; the race remains contentious with candidates and supporting groups emphasizing turnout as key in a low-turnout primary.
- The Democratic City Committee-backed Street campaign is also investing heavily in mail and get-out-the-vote efforts, positioning itself to capture voters as Stanford’s support reportedly wanes in the final days before the May 19 primary.