Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2021) — DMFI PAC Chairman, Mark Mellman, released the following statement today:
While DMFI PAC did not endorse a candidate in the primary to succeed the late Rep. Alcee Hastings, we launched a robust and successful independent expenditure campaign to educate voters in the district about the extreme anti-Israel views of one candidate in particular: State Rep. Omari Hardy.
Despite a quarter of a million dollars in late, independent spending on his behalf, Hardy captured less than 6% share of the vote.
There is no doubt that Rep. Hardy’s ill-considered anti-Israel views cost him votes in this election. Voters rejected Hardy’s ridiculous claim that opposing the Iron Dome missile defense system, which has one job — to stop incoming terrorist rockets targeting both Arab and Jewish civilians —somehow protects Palestinian rights.
Hardy also vocally supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement that opposes Israel’s right to exist in any borders. Again, district voters embraced Congressman Hastings’ values, rejecting a candidate who attacked the late leader’s views.
“We are proud of our efforts to help stop Omari Hardy from winning federal office,” said DMFI PAC Chairman Mark Mellman. “The voters in FL-20 have made clear that Hardy’s extreme views are out of touch with the values of their district.”
At this time, the leading candidates to succeed Rep. Hastings are Dale Holness and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick — both of whom support U.S. military assistance to Israel without additional conditions, deepening the U.S.-Israel partnership, and reject the BDS Movement.
“These initial election results are the latest reminder that being anti-Israel is not just bad policy, it’s also bad politics,” Mellman added.
DMFI PAC played a vital role in supporting pro-Israel Democrats since its inception, backing winners in the contest for president — as well as in 83 House and Senate races — and winning 28 of 29 primary elections in which we were involved.
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