Tremendous behind the scene effort is been exerted by various individuals and organizations to persuade the powers-to-be to keep Sami Merhi on the Democratic ticket for Passaic County Freeholder. Decision on whether to keep him on the ticket will be made Saturday. AAF, along with several Arab American organizations and strong friends of the community are sparing no effort to demand not only Sami's continued enlistment on the ticket but the respect of his and our collective honor. We have requested an urgent  meeting with Governor John Corzine. We believe the meeting will materialize in the next few days. (See AAF statement)

Political lynching of everything Arab is a travesty and an insult to the fundamental American values of equality, and presumption of innocence.  AAF was the first to issue a supportive press release, followed by extensive contacts with the media resulting in an article in the Associated Press,. Please take a moment to read a most impressive and thoughtful editorial by the Herald News, among other recent articles on this issue. Please do understand that the issue is not about Sami Merhi, the person but everything Arab.

• AAF Editorial

• AAF Press Release

• AP: Lynching

• Five words

• Meeting with Corzine

• Democrats Dumb Merhi, AP story

• "Borking"  Sami Merhi

• The rise and fall of Sami Merhi

• Candidate's getting raw deal for remark

• Terror Fears Drag Corzine, Menendez Into Arab Candidate's Race

• Corzine, senator decline to back county candidate

• Menendez, Corzine won’t back Passaic Dem Freeholder candidate

•  On Arab-America's Main Street, New Flags

• Controversial comments hinder candidacy of Passaic hopeful, March 15, 2004