January 29, 2010, Washington, D.C. – The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), today announced its support for new slate of candidates for the U.S. Congress, national party committees, and aspiring Iranian American candidates, including: Governor Charlie Crist candidate for the U.S. Senate (R-FL), Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Mark Ameli candidate for Superior Court Judge Los Angeles County, Elle Falahat candidate for District Attorney Contra Costa County, and Shiva Farivar candidate for Irvine City Council.

IAPAC is the registered bipartisan connected PAC of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), which contributes to candidates for public office who are attuned to the domestic concerns of the Iranian American community. IAPAC contributes to candidates who have an exceptional track record on the domestic issues of importance to the Iranian American community, have articulated a readiness to engage and work with Iranian Americans, or are in a position to have influence over the domestic legislative issues of concern to the community. In addition, IAPAC supports Iranian Americans running for public office who have assembled credible campaigns, are committed to pubic service, and whose candidacies project a positive image of the Iranian American community. Foreign policy issues are not taken into consideration for supporting or opposing a particular candidate. 

“I cannot thank the Iranian American Political Action Committee enough for its generous support of my campaign for the United States Senate,” expressed Governor Charlie Crist. “It is groups such as IAPAC that ensure people are educated about issues important to Iranian Americans. I look forward to continuing my work with this important group.” 

Mark Ameli also expressed his appreciation for IAPAC’s support. “I wish to thank IAPAC for the valuable service that it provides to the Iranian American community.  Its support of my campaign is an example of such service.  This way, I can concentrate on bringing my message to the general public and educating people, especially the Iranian American community to support qualified candidates for public service. “

Established in 2002, IAPAC has supported fifty candidates, including seventeen Iranian American running for public office. Candidates previously supported by IAPAC include but are not limited to: U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and John Kerry (D-MA); U.S. Representatives Michael M. Honda (D-15th/CA) and John Mica (R-7th/FL); and Iranian American candidates Judge Susan Etezadi (San Mateo Superior Court) and Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi (San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Click here to learn more about the candidates supported by IAPAC.