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Elections 2000: Telegram & Gazette - November 18, 2000 American Muslims aim for political clout: By Bronislaus B. Kush There are constituencies that the two major political arties view as allies. Democrats, for example, tend to rely heavily on groups such as minorities and labor unions for support. Republicans, on the other hand, often gain the support of business interests and conservative church denominations. American Muslim leaders want members of their community to flex their political muscle. ìWe have been taken for granted too long,î said Tahir Ali, chairman of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Muslim Alliance. ìWe want to be recognized. ìWe want to be recognized as a block,î he said. ìWe want the candidates to notice us.î There are 7 million Muslims in the United States, according to a statement issued by the alliance. Traditionally, they have voted Democratic. The alliance and other Muslim organizations, however, believe both parties should pay closer attention to their interests. This presidential election, the alliance conducted a massive voter registration drive and urged fellow Muslims to carefully consider the views of Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush. The organization urged Muslims to vote for Mr. Bush, particularly because of his position on the future status of Jerusalem and his overall views on matters of concern to the community. Additionally, the alliance pushed Muslims to run for public office. Of the 700 that ran for local, state and federal offices, 152 won. Muslims captured an unprecedented number of seats ranging from state judgeships to city council slots. Alliance officials say that if Muslims voted Democratic, Mr. Gore unquestionably would be president. According to an alliance exit poll, 91 percent of Muslim voters in Florida cast ballots for Mr. Bush. It is estimated that 60,000 of the 100,000 Muslimsliving in the Sunshine State voted. ìA recount would not have been necessary,î said Mr. Ali. |