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Florida Launches Primaries Into "Super Tuesday"

AAI
Posted on Tuesday January 29, 2008

After yesterday’s Republican and Democratic primary elections in Florida, the presidential race now rapidly approaches “Super Tuesday” on February 5, when 22 states will hold primaries or caucuses. Over half of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be awarded next Tuesday, while nearly 40 percent of delegates to the Republican National Convention are up for grabs.

On the Republican side, Senator John McCain emerged victoriously out of Florida, carrying momentum into Super Tuesday. As in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Michigan, Arab Americans were involved in both Democratic and Republican campaigns from the grassroots level on up. AAI members Ronald and Nancy Salem were McCain supporters in the state, attending a number of his campaign events.

Arab Americans were also involved on the Democratic side of the race, although no delegates were awarded for the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Committee stripped Florida of its delegates when, like Michigan, it moved its primary date ahead of February 5 in violation party rules. Candidates pledged not to campaign in the state, although Florida’s delegates may ultimately be seated at the Convention (stay tuned for more on that up until the Convention…).

The primary went on, though, with Senator Hillary Clinton winning the vote tally. Amongst her key local supporters was AAI member Edna Louise Saffy. Saffy did phone banking on behalf of Clinton and was on the host committee of a reception for Clinton in Jacksonville last June, prior to the DNC sanctions against the state and the candidates’ pledge not to campaign there.

What else have Arab Americans been doing on the campaign trail?

Check out what AAI members did in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Michigan.

Got your own campaign stories?

If you’re volunteering for a candidate or going to rallies, debates, or fundraisers, tell us about it! Send us your stories along with pictures of you, your friends, or your elected officials. AAI would love to share your stories with Arab Americans across the country here on our website. Email updates and photos to AAI National Field and Political Coordinator Maram Abdelhamid.

Interested in becoming involved in a campaign?

Fill out our Presidential Campaign Connection form and we’ll connect you with the campaign of the candidate you’d like to support. There’s a long way to go in both the Democratic and Republican primaries—it’s not too late to get involved!