AIPAC is one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington and is the most powerful pro-Israel lobby group in the country, as evidenced by the array of high profile politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, who speak at its conference each year. The Pentagon\\\'s new chief held talks with Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Ehud Barak, on March 5 and pledged to ensure US budget cuts have no effect on funding for military assistance to Israel. Pro-Israel interests have contributed $56.8 million in individual, group, and soft money donations to federal candidates and party committees since 1990, according to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics. Between the 2000 and the 2004 elections, the 50 members of AIPAC\\\'s board donated an average of $72,000 each to campaigns and political action committees. AIPAC claims it \\\"has a stranglehold on Congress.\\\" With a $47 million a year budget and more than 100 full-time staffers, it is no doubt a formidable advocate for Israel\\\'s interests. Show Less >>