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Third Election Cycle Where Arab American PAC Hits Goal

Posted on Thursday October 24, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. —With less than two weeks left before Election Day, the nation’s largest Arab American PAC, the Arab American Leadership Council PAC (ALCPAC), has reached its goal of contributing $100,000 or more for the third consecutive election cycle. The ALCPAC is a non-affiliated federal PAC that raises money to support Arab Americans and other qualified candidates.

In all, 53 contributions were made to federal campaigns and 21 to non-federal campaigns during the 2000-2002 election cycle. Among contributions to federal campaigns, 33 incumbent campaigns received support from the ALCPAC. Of the non-federal contributions made, all but three were for candidates challenging incumbents or seeking an open seat. The majority of those non-federal candidates receiving support were Arab Americans and many were first time office seekers.

Senators receiving contributions include Chuck Hagel (NE) and Paul Wellstone (MN) along with challengers John E. Sununu (NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (NH). In addition to incumbent Arab Americans Nick Rahall (WV), Ray LaHood (IL), Chris John (LA) and Darrel Issa (CA), challenger Chris Kouri (NC) also received an ALCPAC contribution. Other Members of the House receiving ALCPAC support include John Dingell (MI); Henry Hyde (IL); Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL); Joe Knollenberg (MI); James Moran (VA); and Dana Rohrabacher (CA).

“Although the amounts may seem modest to some, they are significant because all of the fundraising occurred within the Arab American community. Across the nation, Arab Americans contributed in an effort to support not only Arab American candidates, but candidates who support our community and listen to our concerns. Reaching our goal signifies that Arab Americans are committed to the political process and will not be deterred from participating in it,” said ALCPAC Assistant Treasurer Jean AbiNader.

For many years, Arab Americans have demonstrated a high degree of political activity, only one component of which is financial support. According to a 2000 Zogby International poll, 88.7% of Arab Americans are registered to vote. Only African Americans and Jewish Americans have a higher percentage of voter registration. Once more, 16% of Arab American voters contributed to a presidential campaign and nearly 82% watched a presidential debate. Of six ethnic groups polled (African American, Asian American, Hispanic, American Jews, Italian Americans and Arab Americans), Arab Americans ranked first in both these issues.

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.