YALLA VOTE ‘08 Our Voice. Our Future.

After a blogging hiatus for a 2 week Jury Duty stint, and some beginning of school/ LSAT prep madness, I have returned to update everyone on the happenings in the world of Yalla Vote New York. As you know, the congressional primaries are fast approaching, and the 13th District will choose its candidate tomorrow, September 9th.

As the Yalla Vote Field Organizer in New York, I have had the opportunity and the privilege to interact with the major players in the race for the 13th District. All of the candidates are out in full force looking for votes, and trying to pick up the pieces left over from the Vito Fosella scandal, which rocked the 13th District, and upset the balance of what has historically been a Republican-leaning voting population. Among the hopefuls are Steve Harrison (D), Michael McMahon (D), and Jamshad Wyne (R), all of whom I have had an opportunity to connect with. In particular I have had conversations with Mr. Wyne and Mr. Harrison about the importance of Arab American political involvement, and about the concerns of many Arab American voters.

Regardless of who emerges from the fray on September 9th, Arab American voters in the 13th District will have the opportunity to grill those candidates at the Yalla Vote Candidates Night. Yalla Vote will be hosting the Democratic and Republican nominees at Widdi Catering Hall on 56th St. and 6th Avenue at 6:30pm on October 23rd. Of course food will be served, and the dialogue between candidate and voter promises to be interesting. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the 13th District congressional primary. Until then…

-Matt

In a city where DOJ, DOD, and SABER are never spelled out and we all know what we’re talking about, the Yalla Vote crew have added a new acronym: ITBPPP. Although ITBPPP (’Inside The Beltway Party Plank Plaform’) is a tongue twister any way you say it, it promises to be a ‘let you hair down’ event where you can talk politics over Shisha and mezza.

In DC it really doesn’t matter which definition of Party you use. We either party with our party or party bi-partisanly. AAI invites you to join our bi-partisan ITBPPP Party.

When: Friday, July 25th at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Logan Circle

To RSVP to this event and get the address and directions, please contact Hilary at project1@aaiusa.org or call (202) 494-9859.

If you can’t come to this Friday’s Platform Party, then host one of your own! It’s easy, and AAI is here to help make your party a success with guidelines, suggestions, and free buttons, posters, and more. Just visit http://www.aaiusa.org/yallavote08 for additional info.

The Pennsylvania primary is just around the corner — here are some of the campaign events in your area…

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Ohio Presidential Candidate Events

February 19, 2008

• Hillary Clinton Rally * 7:00 pm - 10 pm * Youngstown

Join Senator Clinton for a “Solutions for America” rally in Youngstown, Ohio at Chaney High School (731 South Hazelwood Ave). Doors open at 7:30 and the event will begin by 9:00 pm.

To RSVP, please go to: Hillary Clinton’s website

• John McCain Wisconsin Election Night Party * 7:30 pm * Columbus

Join John McCain at a Wisconsin Election Night Party at the Hayes Grand Ballroom, The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel (50 North 3rd Street)

To RSVP, please send an e-mail to: ohvolunteer@johnmccain.com

You do not need a ticket to attend the event. The RSVP is for solely administrative purposes.

Wednesday, February 20th

• John McCain Appearance * Noon * Yellow Springs

Join Senator McCain at Young’s Jersey Dairy (6880 Springfield Xenia Rd) for a short meet and greet.

This event requires no ticket and is open to the public.

Thursday, February 21st

• John McCain Appearance *Time TBA* Toledo

Senator McCain is expected to appear in Toledo for a short meet and greet session.

The time and location is yet to be announced. More information can be found on the Washington Post Campaign Tracker or please check McCain’s website

Tuesday, February 26th

• Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama Democratic Presidential Debate *6PM* CSU, Cleveland, OH

A limited number of tickets will be made available to this event. Please visit the Cleveland State University website for more details.
As the March 4th Primary draws nearer, we hope to provide you with a longer list of events