AIPAC retreats from candidate endorsements and direct giving as political backlash grows

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, better known as AIPAC , plans to stop endorsing candidates, making direct PAC contributions and earmarking contributions to candidates. The shift reverses a strategy adopted five years ago as the influential pro- Israel group faces mounting political resistance. The change was disclosed Wednesday in a letter to members obtained by CNBC. AIPAC will continue operating United Democracy Project , its super PAC, while putting greater emphasis on mobilizing individual donors to give directly to candidates, according to the letter. "We're looking to dramatically expand our political involvement as a community and to heighten our activists' direct impact.