Arab-Americans Set to Make a Difference

Posted on Sunday, January 18 @ 10:19:17 EST by ramallahonline

By James Zogby
Arab American Institute

Arab-Americans enter the 2004 election cycle prepared, as never before, to make a difference. The community is now engaged on almost every level of the political process and is ready to reap the benefits of more than 20 years of political growth.

The early focus will, of course, be on the Democratic primaries, which are due to begin in less than two weeks. The first contest will be in Iowa where Arab-Americans have been mobilizing for the past six months. The Arab American Institute (AAI) organizer in Iowa has conducted training sessions and what have been called “Yalla Vote” voter registration events in locations across the state. Arab-Americans have also been visible in the last several months at candidate campaign events carrying signs calling for “Justice in Palestine” and “Civil Rights for Arab-Americans” and asking tough questions of all the presidential aspirants.

Already three of the Democratic candidates have attended community events in Iowa seeking Arab-American support. And two days before Iowans vote, AAI will host a major “Get Out the Vote” event at Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s historic mosque.

http://www.ramallahonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1760

(Hope this doesn't violate forum rules but Zogby is (arguably) a high-caliber journalist and commentator.