Source: AMC Press Release

On October 5, 2000, The American Muslim Council released the following as a press release, "AMC's President Dr. Yahya Basha, along with over 35 American Muslim and Arab American community leaders met this morning with Governor George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. This meeting comes on the heels of yesterday's meeting with Bush's campaign advisor Condeleeza Rice. Mr. Bush was accompanied by Michigan Governor John Engler and Mrs. Rhonda Fahmi, special aide to Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI). During the discussion, the community leaders expressed concerns over a number of local, domestic and international issues including the Middle East Peace talks and the current eruption of violence in the region as well as the possible relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Palestine. Issues also surfaced regarding secret evidence and the sanctions on Iraq. 'The meeting was an illustration of the potential clout American and Arab Muslims could hold as a possible swing vote in Michigan. The meeting with Governor Bush is indicative of our growing voice.' Dr. Basha said. American Muslims number 6-7 million in the United States and are increasingly being recognized as a community to be courted. The Muslim and Arab community in Michigan numbers more than 600,000, the majority of which are registered voters."