Bernie Sanders Urges Democrats to Ban Super PACs in Primaries

Senator Bernie Sanders urged Democratic party leaders to prohibit super PAC participation in primary elections, describing the current campaign finance structure as a "corrupt system." In a letter addressed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Sanders argued that outside organizations use unlimited funding to push special interests regardless of party affiliation.

Sanders specifically highlighted the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its involvement in a Michigan Senate race. Despite receiving $30 million in advertising support from AIPAC, Representative Haley Stevens lost the primary to Abdul El-Sayed. Sanders noted that bipartisan organizations like AIPAC can influence Democratic primaries before potentially supporting Republican candidates in general elections.

While acknowledging that candidates must accept such funds in general elections to remain competitive, Sanders advocated for public funding of elections and a constitutional amendment to repeal the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United. Following the Michigan primary, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement praising El-Sayed's campaign and framing the general election as a necessary check on Donald Trump.