YALLA VOTE ‘08 Our Voice. Our Future.

David Ramadan down in Loudon County, Virginia, getting out the Arab American Republican Vote!

The Arab American community in Virginia hosted its 20^th annual Candidates Night on October 5^th, 2008 as part of AAI’s Yalla Vote Campaign. The evening was a testament to the community’s concerned interest and dedication to political participation. In addition to a delicious dinner, those who attended also had the opportunity to visit candidate booths and learn more about candidates’ campaigns and stances on key issues.

The first Candidates Night sponsored by the Arab American Institute was held in 1987 and was the embodiment of an effort to find “a formula to launch community involvement in party /electoral politics that would bring together people who otherwise had not met before or had no reason to meet.” Two decades later, the Virginia Candidates Night continues to function as the political venue for the Arab American community to convene and discuss politics.

This year’s event included Helen Samhan, Executive Director of the AAI Foundation, serving as master of ceremonies. First to address the audience was Dr. James Zogby, who spoke about the importance of voting and how the Yalla Vote initiative has relayed that message nationwide. Several candidates, including Candidate Mark Ellmore (VA-8^th), Congressman Jim Moran (VA-8^th), Candidate John Reeder (Arlington County Board), Candidate Barbara Favola (Arlington County Board), and Candidate Judy Feder (VA-10^th) addressed the issues of greatest concern to Arab Americans in Virginia and stressed the importance of participation in the campaigning and election process. Serving as the surrogate for the McCain Campaign, Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11^th) took the stage soon after Governor Tim Kaine stepped in as the surrogate for the Obama Campaign. Both surrogates shared their views on the presidential election and explained their candidate’s position on issues regarding healthcare and the economy.

Recognized for outstanding service to their communities, three prominent individuals were honored by AAI and the Virginia Candidates Night Committee. Accepting a Lifetime Achievement award was Ali Hossani. In addition to being a founding member of AAI, Hossani has dedicated his life to community service and empowering fellow Arab Americans in Virginia to become involved in the political process. Honored with the Outstanding Service Award, Dr. Hanna Hanania has served on the Candidates Night Committee for several years and is the Founder of the Network of Arab American Professionals, an organization dedicated to promoting political involvement as well as community service. This year’s Most Distinguished Public Servant Award was given to Congressman Tom Davis in recognition of his years representing fellow Virginia citizens in the United States Congress; his district will greatly miss him upon his retirement at the end of the year.

With the November election looming and the candidates in a dead heat in Virginia, the impact of a pronounced Arab American turnout is now more significant than ever. According to a recent poll conducted by the Washington Post-ABC News (see the Washington Post article, “Obama, McCain in Tight Race in Va., Poll Shows“), Barack Obama leads John McCain 49%-46% among Virginia voters with a 4% margin of error. The state is up for grabs right now, and Arab Americans need to get out the vote in this key state come November.

Though traditionally a Republican-voting state, Virginia’s recent political and demographic activity now suggests otherwise. Democrat Jim Webb’s 2006 Senate win over incumbent Republican George Allen proved that the voting model for Virginia is changing. With an influx of minority ethnic groups, particularly in North Virginia, both candidates have taken to courting the increasingly important minority vote.

The Arab American Institute is hosting Candidate Nights and Issue Forums in key states across the country.  Please come join us at our 20th Annual Virginia Candidates Night on Sunday, October 5, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. For complete details, click here.

Swing states Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan make up 30% of Arab American votes. Arab Americans make up 2% of Virginia voters, and if the recent survey is of any indication, it will be a crucial vote indeed.