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Seeking Arab American Support Politicians Turn Out for 14th Annual VA Candidates' Night

Posted on Monday October 7, 2002

VIENNA, VA- U.S. Congressmen Tom Davis (R-11) and James Moran (D-8) will meet with Arab American voters on Sunday, October 13, in Vienna, VA during the community’s annual Candidate Night. Also confirmed to attend is Republican Scott Tate, who is challenging Moran in Virginia’s 8th District; Democrat John Stevens, who is seeking to represent Virginia’s 10th congressional district; Kate Hanley, Chairwoman of the Fairfax Co. Board of Supervisors; Paul Ferguson, Arlington Co. Board of Supervisors; Mary Hynes, Arlington County School Board member; Delegate Jay O’Brien (R-39) and democratic challenger Rosemary Lynch, and current Delegate Karen Darner (D-49).

Sponsored by the Arab American Institute (AAI), the 14th Annual Virginia Candidates’ Night will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in the ballroom of the Tyson’s Corner Marriott Hotel located at 8028 Leesburg Pike in Vienna.

Continuing a tradition of fourteen years, the AAI Virginia Candidates Night allows area voters to raise issues of concern with candidates running for public office and helps Arab Americans cast an informed vote on Election Day. Last year the event attracted hundreds of voters and more than 30 candidates.

“In these unusual times it is crucial that the Arab American community in Virginia continues to promote their political interests and maintain their political achievements in the commonwealth of Virginia, said longtime activist and community leader Marwar Burgan.

The event is organized by a steering committee of Arab American Democrats and Republicans and community leaders from across the state. AAI is a nonpartisan leadership training organization established in 1985 to represent and promote Arab American interests in government and politics.

“It’s a rare opportunity to interact with Congressional candidates and discover where they stand on the issues before casting a vote. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss growing civil rights concerns,” said Jean AbiNader, AAI managing director.

WHAT: Northern Virginia Candidates’ Night
WHEN: Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
WHERE: Tyson’s Corner Marriott Hotel Ballroom located at 8028 Leesburg Pike in Vienna.
CONTACT: Event spokesman Marwan Burgan 703-855-7805