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Strong Arab American Turnout at Michigan’s Primary Elections

Posted on Wednesday August 7, 2002

DETROIT, MI — Though statewide turnout for Michigan’s primary elections remained low, Arab Americans gathered at the polls in comparatively large numbers. In south Dearborn, a highly concentrated Arab American district, the turnout mirrored a presidential election. With only 1,100 people registered in the district, by five p.m. more than 500 Arab Americans had already voted.

Arab Americans had a visible presence throughout the elections. At least two volunteers assisted voters in every community precinct. Community members were running phone banks for almost two weeks prior and the night before the election; signs around the city and local Arab cable channels reminded voters to get to the polls.

Local analysts are crediting Arab American activism for John Dingell’s successful bid for Congress in his redrawn district. Yesterday and throughout the campaign, numerous volunteers worked in his campaign in West Dearborn. Dingell has been a long time friend and ally of the Arab American community and an advocate for immigration rights and a just peace in the Middle East. Yesterday alone, more than 40 Arab American volunteers worked in west Dearborn to help the Dingell effort. Although Dingell won re-election with 59 percent, in Dearborn his margin of victory was much higher with 6,212 votes compared to Lynn River’s 1,795 votes.

“Once again Arab Americans proved they are a dependable voting constituency that has a much higher than average participation rate. Despite the efforts of some to intimidate Arab Americans after 9/11, we continue to be Americans in every sense of the word and stand up for American democracy,” said Arab American Institute President James Zogby.

Arab Americans also were active throughout the David Bonior campaign efforts to get out the vote (GOTV). His results in the gubernatorial race were much greater than expected.

“David Bonior has been a longtime supporter and friend of our community and I am proud to have been part of his campaign. Michigan has lost a long time veteran of the state. It is a loss for Michigan and the Arab American community as a whole. We hope he represents Michigan in a different capacity,” said Ahmed Chebbani, chairman of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.

John Conyers uncontested victory assures his re-election in November, despite redistricting that had challenged metro-Detroit Arab Americans, a previously solid constituency.

Longtime community friend and former Wayne County Sheriff, Robert Ficano won election as County Executive with 58 percent of the vote. He fared extremely well, winning 12,226 votes compared to Benny Napolean’s 1,343 votes. Arab Americans were again a critical component of his GOTV efforts.

In other races:

Arab American candidate for the 12th congressional district, Charles Frangie® came in third in the race to unseat congressman Sander Levin.

Nancy Cassis (R), running for 15th district state senator won the Republican nomination. Her Democratic opponent will be Sean Carlson.

37th district representative candidate John Akouri (R) lost to the Republican nomination Aldo Vagnozzi.

Reginald Kakos (D) candidate for 39th district state representative lost the nod to Stuart Brickner.