Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) Press Release
Arab Americans endorse Senator Kerry for President

October 5, 2004 - Please release immediately
Contact: Abed Hammoud at 313.303.0427 Or Osama Siblani at 313.582.4888

DEARBORN – The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) tonight endorsed the Kerry/Edwards ticket in the 2004 Presidential election.

The general membership of the group met here and debated their slate of candidates for two hours before releasing their endorsements, which include candidates for offices ranging from president to local school boards.

“We believe Senator Kerry will make America stronger, safer and more respected throughout the world,” said AAPAC President Abed Hammoud. “AAPAC endorsed George W. Bush four years ago.

Members of our community have strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with his policies. With respect to civil rights and foreign policy, we hope Senator Kerry will change the course the Bush administration has put America on.”

“We played a role in electing George Bush and we will play a major role in unseating him,” said Osama Siblani, immediate past president of the group. “He has shaken the very foundations of this country with his assault on civil rights. And no one knows better than Arab Americans how negatively the Arab and Muslim worlds view the United States right now. That has to change if we are to have a peaceful, prosperous future.” Siblani added

The endorsement process is a lengthy one, and involved interviews and meetings with prospective candidates or their representatives. Kerry advocate and New Hampshire campaign chair Judge Billy Shaheen, an Arab American, along with members of Kerry’s Michigan team, met with AAPAC officials on Saturday, October 2, 2004.

AAPAC leaders said they will now turn their attention to intensive campaigning for their slate of candidates in the nation’s largest Arab American community.

“The Arab American community is ready to work with the Kerry/Edwards campaign to get out the vote for Kerry in this very important state and ensure victory in the race for President,” Hammoud said.

AAPAC, an independent political action committee, was founded in 1998. To view the complete set of endorsements, visit.www.aapac.org.

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