Muslim Leaders Meet with George W. Bush

Source: AMC Press Release

On October 5, 2000, The American MuslimCouncil released the following as a press release, "AMC's PresidentDr. Yahya Basha, along with over 35 American Muslim and Arab Americancommunity leaders met this morning with Governor George W. Bush and Mrs.Laura Bush at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. This meetingcomes on the heels of yesterday's meeting with Bush's campaign advisorCondeleeza Rice. Mr. Bush was accompanied by Michigan Governor John Englerand Mrs. Rhonda Fahmi, special aide to Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI).During the discussion, the community leaders expressed concerns over anumber of local, domestic and international issues including the MiddleEast Peace talks and the current eruption of violence in the region aswell as the possible relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv toPalestine. Issues also surfaced regarding secret evidence and thesanctions on Iraq. 'The meeting was an illustration of the potential cloutAmerican and Arab Muslims could hold as a possible swing vote in Michigan.The meeting with Governor Bush is indicative of our growing voice.' Dr.Basha said. American Muslims number 6-7 million in the United States andare increasingly being recognized as a community to be courted. The Muslimand Arab community in Michigan numbers more than 600,000, the majority ofwhich are registered voters."