– U.S. Rep. Cori Bush and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell are engaged in a bitter primary fight for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District
– Both candidates are self-styled progressives with similar positions on most domestic issues
– They sharply differ on policies regarding Israel, with Bell receiving significant financial support from pro-Israel groups
– Bell’s campaign has raised more money than Bush’s, with a significant portion coming from pro-Israel lobby organizations
– Both candidates have faced scrutiny regarding their spending practices and management of money
– A federal probe into Bush’s spending on security services has been confirmed
– Bell has faced questions regarding spending federal American Rescue Plan Act money on new SUVs and staff moonlighting as lawyers and judges
– Key issues in the race include Bush’s vote on the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill and her support for defunding the police, contrasting with Bell’s focus on crime and unemployment in the district.