AAPAC members interviewing David Knezek, a candidate in the race for Michigan’s 5th District Senate seat. PHOTO:Hussein Hachem

DEARBORN — The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) started its endorsement process for the Aug. 5 primary elections on Tuesday, June 10 at the offices of The Arab American News. There, its members interviewed a series of candidates. 

In accordance with AAPAC bylaws, candidates must submit a written request asking for the group’s endorsement in order to be considered for the interview process. 

The candidates interviewed by AAPAC this week included Rashid Baydoun, Ned Apigian and Julie Plawecki, who are all competing in the race for Michigan’s 11th House District; Rohn Mitchell and David Braxton, candidates for 3rd Circuit Court probate seats; Thomas Stallworth and State Rep. David Knezek, candidates for the 5th district state senate seat; and Stephanie Chang, a candidate for state representative in the 6th House District. 

AAPAC President Ali Hammoud said the interviews were only the first of a few the group will be conducting prior to the primary elections. Many of the candidates who were interviewed have been asking the group for its endorsement for months. 

Hammoud discussed Dearborn’s traditionally low voter turnout during the primary elections, and stressed the importance of voting.  

“This issue of voter participation comes up every year,” Hammoud said. “Historically, and all across the state of Michigan, there is low voter turnout in the primaries. What we need is for more people to understand the process and understand that voting is a right, it’s a privilege. They need to cast a vote because it makes a difference in their daily lives.” 

Baydoun is encouraging the youth to vote. If elected, he said he would fight to make education more affordable. 

“I am an alumnus who recently graduated from the University of Michigan and I have school debt,” he said. “I also know how hard it can be for young people to seek employment during these though times.”