Michigan Democrats pick nominee in high-profile Senate primary amid record pro-Israel spending

If money spent on an electoral campaign is an indicator of its importance, then the Democratic Party primary race in Michigan could be a watershed moment in US politics – a battle for the soul of a political formation still reeling from its defeat against Donald Trump. More than $60 million of outside contributions, most of it from the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, have been poured in to support four-term congresswoman Haley Stevens to ensure that she beats Abdul El Sayed, a health professional aligned with the progressive wing of the party. Read moreUS Democrats divided over support for Israel ahead of midterm elections Analysts say the results will show whether a current leftist surge among Democrats can move beyond party safe seats and win in battlegrounds with national consequences – or whether Michigan's Democratic establishment can still hold the line. Abdul El Sayed, a former Wayne County health director backed by leftist leaders Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has cast himself as a working-class fighter willing to confront corporations, party leaders and increasingly unpopular pro-Israel donors. El Sayed didn't shy away from calling Israel's killing of more tha...