Massie Taunts AIPAC After Demolishing Primary Challengers

Despite having been targeted by the most powerful, pro-Israel political organization operating in America, libertarian-minded Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie stomped his two Republican primary challengers on Tuesday — and then used social media to mock his Israel-first detractors. 

Massie cruised to victory, amassing 76% of the vote, while his two would-be vanquishers roughly split the difference, with Michael McGinnis edging Eric Deters by about 1%. With no Democratic opponent even bothering to take on Massie in November, he’s set up for a six term representing Kentucky’s 4th congressional district, which stretches all along the northernmost part of the state.  

“Tonight’s victory is a referendum on thousands of independent votes I have cast in Washington DC on behalf of Kentucky’s 4th District,” said Massie.

“I’ve consistently upheld the Constitution by voting for and sponsoring legislation to support the right to keep and bear arms, the right to free speech, freedom of religion and the right to privacy. I’ve also fought against endless foreign wars, foreign aid and inflationary policies, regardless of who is in the White House.

Earlier this month, the independent campaign-spending arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) announced that it was pouring $300,000 into advertisements on Fox television affiliates across the Bluegrass State. The over-the-top ads said, “Israel, the Holy Land [are] under attack by Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah…and Congressman Tom Massie.” 

Massie has repeatedly stood out as one of the very few Republicans willing to defy the wishes of the potent pro-Israel lobby. In recent months, he voted against the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would make universities tolerating unacceptable statements about Israel targets of federal civil rights-based punishments. He also voted against the latest, $14.3 billion aid package, noting that “Israel has a lower debt-to-GDP ratio than the United States.” 

Massie confronts Attorney General Merrick Garland with video of Ray Epps, who many suspect of being a government agent who urged Trump supporters to “go into the Capitol” on Jan. 6 (Greg Nash/Pool via AP and Lexington Herald Leader)

After Massie’s lopsided win was apparent, AIPAC tried to downplay the outcome, saying that, rather than trying to beat oust him in the primary, the group wanted to damage him statewide — clearly in anticipation of a possible Massie 2026 Senate run to take the seat of retiring Senate Majority Leader and quintessential establishment swamp creature Mitch McConnell.   

Massie said AIPAC was guilty of “election campaign malpractice.” Referring to the $400,000 total that AIPAC had spent against him recently, he told McClatchy DC, “I’m laughing because it has the same effect as lighting it on fire and burning it…What it could do is up my name ID statewide, but two years from now nobody’s going to remember what the ad was about.”

He also deftly turned AIPAC’s announcement of its attack-blitz into a fundraising opportunity. As word of AIPAC’s  campaign spread on social media and via ZeroHedge and other outlets, more than 1,200 people contributed $101,000 to his coffers in just four days.    

On Tuesday evening, Massie seized on AIPAC’s defensive tweet, drawing attention to the fact that it had been “ratio’d” by the Twitterverse.

🇺🇸 FIRST. After spending $400k+ smearing me, and watching me get 75%+ in the race tonight, they claim they weren’t playing in the race. They deserve the ratio here: https://t.co/ULaQYOcXmU

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 22, 2024

“Ratio” refers to a tweet that garners more replies than likes and retweets, which almost always indicates mass ridicule has been dished out. That was definitely the case here:  

Massie is the most America first congressman. This means you are anti America first.

— DV (@DV2O24) May 22, 2024

True integrity prevails because it is priceless. Plus, he represents Kentucky — not Israel.

— Brian J. Pfail (@brian_pfail) May 22, 2024

Not wanting money stolen from Americans to be sent to Israeli is not the same as being “anti-Israel.”

You want money? Earn it in the market. Voluntarily.

— Jack V Lloyd (@jackvlloyd) May 22, 2024

God forbid a representative from Kentucky hold the belief that Kentucky > Israel.

— Antonio (@antonio00o_o) May 22, 2024

You have no right to demand that American taxpayers be forced to fund your wars

He votes against all foreign aid. You know this. You smear him because you can’t argue against his principles.

You should be ashamed

— Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) May 22, 2024

Kentuckians told AIPAC tonight that we are AMERICANS First!

— Terry Van Loon (@terrybythebay) May 22, 2024

He owes no loyalty to any country except the one he represents, and that’s the United States of America. You won’t unseat him. You’ll only waste your donor money.

— Les Vegetables (@OPRfan) May 22, 2024

I support Israel strongly and I support Rep. Thomas Massie strongly.

He is solidly America First.

I might have some differences with him on the level of Israel support, but honestly I wish we had hundreds more Thomas Massies in Congress.
He is principled.

— $8 Bartemy (@BartemyS) May 22, 2024