Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are rushing to offer unalloyed support for Israel's offensive against Hezbollah fighters, reflecting a bipartisan desire to not only defend a key U.S. ally but also solidify long-term backing of Jewish voters and political donors in the United States, according to officials and strategists in both parties.
With Israel intensifying its air and artillery attacks on Lebanon and warning of a protracted war, the Senate yesterday unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution endorsing Israel's military campaign and condemning Hezbollah and its two backers, Iran and Syria. A few hours earlier, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) delivered his most strident defense of Israel since the conflict erupted a week ago. The House is expected to pass a similarly pro-Israel resolution today.
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Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman punctuated the day with a speech to Christians United for Israel last night, declaring that "today, we are all Israelis."
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, support for Israel has only intensified among politicians and the public, lawmakers say and polls confirm. The Jewish state is frequently praised as a vibrant democracy and trusted U.S. ally, one that has suffered greatly from terrorism.
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Many Democrats, who are among the largest recipients of Jewish votes and money in federal elections, are working with Republicans to pressure President Bush to reject calls to strike a more measured tone and prod Israel to show greater restraint.
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Still, the rising pro-Israel sentiment in Congress has coincided with stepped-up efforts by Democrats and Republicans to increase their support among Jews. On the Republican side, the dynamics have changed considerably in the past decade
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Evangelical Christians, who were once suspected by some of anti-Semitism, have led a Republican effort to forge close ties with Israel. The effort is working, strategists from both parties said. In every presidential election since 1992, Republicans have increased their share of the Jewish vote. In 1992, Bush's father, President George H.W. Bush, won 11 percent. In the 2004 presidential election, the current president captured about 25 percent, according to exit-poll data.
Based on a study by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Republicans are also getting a larger percentage of money from Jewish political committees and self-identified Jewish donors. So far this election cycle, Republicans have received about 42 percent of money from Jewish groups and individuals. If that number holds, it would be the highest percentage since the center started tracking these donations in 1990.
The Jewish community remains predominantly Democratic and is considered one of the most influential parts of the party's base.
Polls show most Jewish voters agree with Democrats on social issues and many other domestic concerns. While some House Democrats have questioned the wisdom of unconditional support for Israel -- a point pro-Republican Jewish groups frequently make -- party leaders such as Reid are among the biggest defenders of Israel.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/18/AR2006071801415.html
With Israel intensifying its air and artillery attacks on Lebanon and warning of a protracted war, the Senate yesterday unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution endorsing Israel's military campaign and condemning Hezbollah and its two backers, Iran and Syria. A few hours earlier, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) delivered his most strident defense of Israel since the conflict erupted a week ago. The House is expected to pass a similarly pro-Israel resolution today.
...
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman punctuated the day with a speech to Christians United for Israel last night, declaring that "today, we are all Israelis."
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, support for Israel has only intensified among politicians and the public, lawmakers say and polls confirm. The Jewish state is frequently praised as a vibrant democracy and trusted U.S. ally, one that has suffered greatly from terrorism.
...
Many Democrats, who are among the largest recipients of Jewish votes and money in federal elections, are working with Republicans to pressure President Bush to reject calls to strike a more measured tone and prod Israel to show greater restraint.
...
Still, the rising pro-Israel sentiment in Congress has coincided with stepped-up efforts by Democrats and Republicans to increase their support among Jews. On the Republican side, the dynamics have changed considerably in the past decade
...
Evangelical Christians, who were once suspected by some of anti-Semitism, have led a Republican effort to forge close ties with Israel. The effort is working, strategists from both parties said. In every presidential election since 1992, Republicans have increased their share of the Jewish vote. In 1992, Bush's father, President George H.W. Bush, won 11 percent. In the 2004 presidential election, the current president captured about 25 percent, according to exit-poll data.
Based on a study by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Republicans are also getting a larger percentage of money from Jewish political committees and self-identified Jewish donors. So far this election cycle, Republicans have received about 42 percent of money from Jewish groups and individuals. If that number holds, it would be the highest percentage since the center started tracking these donations in 1990.
The Jewish community remains predominantly Democratic and is considered one of the most influential parts of the party's base.
Polls show most Jewish voters agree with Democrats on social issues and many other domestic concerns. While some House Democrats have questioned the wisdom of unconditional support for Israel -- a point pro-Republican Jewish groups frequently make -- party leaders such as Reid are among the biggest defenders of Israel.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/18/AR2006071801415.html