Source: Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)

"Running for public office is a daunting task. Being successful often requires running at the right time and in the right place. Darius Shahinfar is a candidate running at the right time and in the right place, and has a real opportunity to be the first Iranian American to be elected to the U.S. Congress."

Darius Shahinfar for Congress

These were the words of Mr. Hassan Nemazee, Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) Board member and national finance chair for Hillary Clinton, at an August 7th New York City reception hosted by Tamilla and Newsha Ghodsi and Bijan Ayromloo in support of Shahinfar's campaign for U.S. Congress. Nemazee urged the participants to seize the opportunity and help elect Shahinfar by financially supporting his campaign. "He is within striking distance of making history."

Shahinfar, a former Congressional aide and Albany Deputy County Attorney, is running as a Democrat for New York's 21st Congressional District seat being vacated by Representative Mike McNulty (D-NY). He is one of four remaining candidates out of an original field of nine to qualify for the September 9th Democratic primary. If successful, Shahinfar will face the Republican nominee in the November election. The 21st Congressional District is a safe Democratic district and the winner of the September 9th primary is expected to carry the election.

Following Mr. Nemazee's lead, co-host and PAAIA Board member Mr. Cyrus Amir-Mokri  eloquently introduced Shahinfar by pointing out why he and so many other Iranian Americans are supportive of the Shahinfar campaign. "As a proud first generation Iranian American, Darius shares our experiences and love for America," explained Mr. Amir-Mokri. "He has worked at all levels of government – federal, state, and local, and will make an effective legislator."

In his speech, Shahinfar spoke about the dynamics of his campaign. "This is a wide open race," Shahinfar explained. "We have put together a formidable team and recently added Joe Trippi & Associates as part of our media and internet communications arm." Trippi is most known not only for his work in producing winning television advertisements, but also for his pioneering ideas in utilizing the internet for political campaigns, most notably Howard Dean's campaign in 2004.

Shahinfar also spoke about his experience working for U.S. Representative Kristin Gillibrand as a Capital District Representative. As the only attorney in Gillibrand's office, he tended to constituent concerns as well as legal questions on proposed legislation. "I am the only candidate in this race that has actually worked for the U.S. House of Representatives," said Shahinfar. "I know how a Representative can fight on behalf of working families and bring about positive change."

Shahinfar went on to explain how much Iranian American support means to his campaign. He thanked IAPAC, the connected political action committee (PAC) of PAAIA, for its support and role in encouraging Iranian Americans throughout the country to participate in his campaign. "The level of enthusiasm my candidacy has generated in the Iranian American community has been deeply moving for me and my family."

 After speaking, Shahinfar fielded questions from the guests on various issues. Among the topics discussed was what the Iranian American community can do to ensure that Shahinfar has the necessary resources to compete in the election. Amongst the suggestions were recommendations for people to reach out and encourage their friends and colleagues to support Shahinfar's campaign, and for those capable to give the maximum contribution of $2,300. "With your continued support, I will be able to spend my time working to earn the support of the people in 21st Congressional District of New York, so I can be the first Iranian American sent to Congress," Shahinfar concluded.

Click here to learn more about Darius Shahinfar and his campaign.

... Payvand News - 08/26/08 ...

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