After Michigan, will pro-Israel politics get a ground game?

The Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate primary, where pro-Israel Rep. Haley Stevens lost to Dr. Abdul El-Sayed despite a nearly 9:1 media spending advantage, highlights the growing gap between political spending and grassroots organization. The article, "After Michigan, will pro-Israel politics get a ground game?", suggests that deep pockets alone are insufficient against well-organized socialist opponents. El-Sayed's victory, attributed to extensive volunteer networks and voter relationships, offers lessons for incumbents, Jewish organizations, and pro-Israel funders.

• Incumbents: Politicians should not take constituencies for granted, as evidenced by past defeats of candidates with significant spending advantages. Candidates must confidently articulate their positions, including support for Israel, rather than letting donors become a liability.
• Jewish Organizations: Local pro-Israel organizers need to build unified, year-round statewide networks to mobilize voters effectively, rather than starting turnout efforts late in campaigns.
• Funders: Donors should view contributions as investments with measurable returns, focusing on building lasting infrastructure like strong technology, capable organizers, and curated voter lists that persist beyond a single campaign.

The article concludes that "Money matters only when it is combined with a strong ground game," emphasizing the need for early, local investment with an eye toward measurable, long-term results.