Countdown

Footballs and Filibusters

Posted on Wednesday October 25, 2006

Clearing the Air…

Considering his contributions to the anti-Arab hysteria that surrounded the Dubai ports deal and the unfair treatment of Arab American Freeholder candidate Sami Merhi earlier this year, Senator Robert Menendez’s (D-NJ) Arab American constituents have not been well served. Now in a tight race to retain his seat, Menendez is reaching out to New Jersey Arab Americans, including an explanation of his positions on the issues which have soured his relationship with the community. On Dubai ports, Menendez said, “My opposition to the sale of our ports to Dubai Ports World should in no way be seen as motivated by anti-Arab or anti-Muslim animus. My focus and concern on the DPW issue was and always has been about port security….I appreciate the role of the UAE as our ally and good business partner in our country and I want that to continue. I would have opposed the deal and proposed the same legislation no matter what country was exerting this influence.” With regard to Merhi’s candidacy: “I firmly understand that what happened with Sami Merhi was a difficult moment for the Arab American community and for the Democratic Party. For that I am sorry…I have spoken with Mr. Merhi and pledge to take action to bring this chapter to a close and to work to increase the number of Arab American who will serve New Jersey in elected and appointed positions.”

See How They Voted…

The Arab American Institute has released its annual Congressional Scorecard, tracking the positions of members of Congress on a range of issues including Lebanon, Palestine, the Dubai Ports controversy, immigration, and civil liberties. Members of the “Hall of Fame” (those with a perfect score) include Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) and James Jeffords (D-VT) as well as Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), John Conyers (D-MI), John Dingell (D-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jim McDermott (D-WA). Members of the “Hall of Shame” include Senators George Allen (R-VA), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Rick Santorum (R-PA), and Jim Talent (R-MO), and among others. Members singled out for special recognition include Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), John E. Sununu (R-NH), and John Warner (R-VA), and Representatives Charles Boustany (R-LA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Ray LaHood (R-IL),and Nick Rahall (D-WV).

Walking the Walk…

Embroiled in one of the tightest races in the country, Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee (R) has challenged his opponent, Sheldon Whitehouse, “to denounce [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair] Senator Chuck Schumer’s role in giving President Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq.” Schumer is in Rhode Island helping Whitehouse raise funds. In a statement, the Chafee campaign, said “Despite making the Iraq War a centerpiece of his campaign, Mr. Whitehouse has continued to actively campaign and seek assistance from prominent pro-war Democrats.” Chafee is the only Republican to vote against the 2003 resolution which authorized the Iraq war.

Sure, He Can Throw a Touchdown—But Can He Filibuster?

Political nerds everywhere (including us at Countdown) have something to get excited about—Fantasy Congress! The online game is a political version of the popular “fantasy football” league with competitors betting on the skills of Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) instead of Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb. Players score points when a legislator introduces a bill and additional points as the bill makes its way through the legislative process. Creators are thinking of expanding the opportunities for point-scoring to include media appearances and floor speeches—an addition certain to favor some legislators over others…The Washington Post is getting in on the act with “Midterm Madness” an online competition to choose the winners of the midterm elections on November 7. Winners receive a $100 gift certificate from American Express and bragging rights—priceless.

Breaking Ground…

A note of congratulations to Laila Al-Qatami, Communications Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee who was recently the first Arab American to be elected to the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union.