WASHINGTON — In a potential sign of Democratic unease with the White House midterm political strategy, some of President Barack Obama’s allies have begun to question his sustained attack on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has long claimed bipartisanship but is being increasingly identified as a GOP ally.
Some Democrats on Capitol Hill worry that the White House is going too far in charging that the politically powerful business lobby may be using foreign money to fuel its election efforts this year. The charge ignites strong feelings among job-hungry voters. But Democrats are concerned that that it may be overstated and could harm moderate Democrats in swing districts.
The charge was first leveled by a liberal-leaning think tank last week and since has been pressed by Obama and top White House aides. It stems from allegations that the same chamber fund that takes in dues and fees from overseas memberships is used to finance political activities.
The chamber is on track to spend $75 million in this election cycle, mostly to benefit Republican candidates. Officials of the organization, while refusing to provide internal accounting details, have said that no foreign money is used in its political activities.
The chamber also backs some Democratic candidates for congressional seats, and its local affiliates generally enjoy positive reputations across the country.
Democrats expressing reservations have worked on behalf of moderate candidates with business backing.
