Meet the Newest Slate of IAPAC Candidates

By PAAIA Government Affairs Office

September 21, 2010, Washington, D.C. – The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), today announced its support for a new slate of candidates for the U.S. Congress, national party committees, and an aspiring Iranian American running for public office. The latest backed candidates include Congressman Randy Forbes (R-4th/VA), Congressman Michael Honda (D-15th/CA), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-14th/NY), Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-10th/VA), Mark Ameli, candidate for Superior Court Judge, Los Angeles County, and Farrah Douglas, candidate for Carlsbad City Council. In addition, IAPAC is supporting the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

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 our community. In addition, IAPAC supports Iranian Americans running for public office who have assembled credible campaigns, are committed to public 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 or party committee.

“I am proud to work with IAPAC and the Iranian American community, which continues to enrich the tapestry of our great nation’s diversity,” expressed Congressman Michael Honda. “I represent many Iranian Americans in my district who continue to teach me about their rich history. IAPAC’s support allows me to work towards protecting their civil liberties and those of all Americans, and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Congressman Honda is the sponsor of House Resolution 267, which recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, expresses appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to society, and wishes Iranian Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year. Due to Honda’s leadership, the Nowruz resolution passed the House of Representatives on March 15, 2010, marking the first time the U.S. Congress has officially recognized the Iranian New Year.

Congresswoman Maloney also expressed her appreciation for IAPAC’s support. “I want to thank the members of IAPAC for their continued support of my reelection to Congress. I look forward to opportunities to continue working together with IAPAC on issues of relevance and concern to Iranian Americans and to all our nation’s citizens.” Congresswoman Maloney is recognized as a national leader with extensive accomplishments on financial services, national security, the economy, and women’s issues. She is an original cosponsor of the Nowruz Resolution. As a proponent of civil liberties, Congresswomen Maloney has supported measures that condemn discrimination and bigotry against Iranian Americans.

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-4th/VA) shared the following thoughts: “Thank you to the members of IAPAC for showing me your support and for your work to elevate the contributions that Iranian Americans make in our society. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming years.”?

Established in 2002, IAPAC has supported 56 candidates to date, including 18 Iranian Americans running for public office. IAPAC has also contributed to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Candidates previously supported by IAPAC include but are not limited to: U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Charles Schumer (D-NY); U.S. Representatives Henry Waxman (D-30th/CA) and John Mica (R-7th/FL); and Iranian American candidates Judge Sheila Hanson (Orange County Superior Court) and Mayor Jimmy Delshad (Beverly Hills).

IAPAC expects to announce a slate of additional candidates that it is supporting during this election cycle in the coming weeks.

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