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Saqib Ali

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Saqib Ali
File:Saqib Ali.jpg
Maryland House of Delegates
In office
2007–Incumbent
Personal details
BornChicago, Illinois
Political partyDemocratic Party (United States)
Height200px
SpouseSusan Ali
ChildrenOne daughter, Sofia
Residence(s)Gaithersburg, Maryland
OccupationSenior Software Engineer

Saqib Ali is a State Delegate in the Maryland House of Delegates, having been elected to represent the 39th District in the 2006 elections.[1] Ali is of Pakistani descent[2] and having elected both Ali and Kumar P. Barve (for the 17th District), “Maryland became the first state to send two south Asians to the state legislature”.[1] This was seen as part of Asian Americans displaying “political clout beyond traditional strongholds in California and Hawaii.”[3] Ali’s election is also seen as evidence of another American minority moving towards civic empowerment by participating in the political process, as “He is the first Muslim in the Maryland State legislature.”[4] His election and that of Keith Ellison (D-MN) to the United States Congress are viewed as “part of a concerted march of Muslims into civic and political life” in reaction to “worries about civil liberties and immigration policy” that began after Sept. 11, 2001.[5]

Background

Saqib Ali was born on January 21, 1975 in Chicago to a South Asian immigrant family that had arrived in America a few years earlier.[6] Ali, saw his parents who were born in India and Pakistan, as the reason to get involved in politics, "[I am] from a family where they were always having political debates around the house, but then I found out that among all these family members who had all these grand ideas, none of them ever voted. There was a sense that, 'I don't like the way things are, but there's nothing I can do about it.' I thought: I'm going to show these people."[5]

Ali moved to Montgomery County, Maryland in 1991 to attend the University of Maryland, College Park.[6] He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science.[7]

Democratic Volunteer & Community Activist

File:Chris Van Hollen and Saqib.jpg
Saqib Ali and Rep. Chris Van Hollen.
File:Saqib and dean.jpg
Saqib Ali and Gov. Howard Dean.

Ali was not originally a member of the Democratic party but this changed after listening to Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). Ali was "so enamored of Van Hollen's foreign policy positions that he changed his party affiliation from Green to Democratic."[8] Ali soon became "the first elected President of the District 39 Democratic Club".[9] Ali's political activity first gained media attention when he "was the Legislative District 39 Coordinator for the Howard Dean presidential campaign in 2003 & early 2004."[9][10] After Dean failed to win the primary Ali supported the Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards presidential ticket.[11] During that election season Ali became a full-time campaign volunteer for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), because of Hollen's foreign policy positions and his stance on the Iraq War.[9] During Hollen's 2004 reelection campaign Ali said ""I'm really motivated against this war and have never felt so animated before. I thought, 'What is the most head-turning thing I could possibly do?'" he "bought 500 bumper stickers at a buck apiece and applied more than 400 to the car". It was noted that the families other car was kept "very pristine" as "That's the one his wife drives."[8] Later that year he was Co-Chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Spring Ball.[9] Also in 2004 Ali, a member of the Montgomery County Muslim Council, helped plan “the first Muslim-Jewish Day of Friendship” with “congregations Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase, Adat Shalom in Bethesda, Bethesda Jewish Congregation and Fabrangen Cheder” to “clean up a historic Underground Railroad stop in Germantown”. Ali hoped the event would “allow people to start lasting friendships and show the ability of these groups to come together for a common good.”[12] In 2005 Ali's political activities expanded when he helped form the "Longdraft Road Coalition", an organization opposing the expansion of this "quiet, residential two-lane road to a bustling four-lane byway."[13] Ali became "co-chairman of the 180-person plus group" whose efforts were largely viewed as successful.[14] In Sept. 2005, Ali also co-organized “The 2nd annual Montgomery County Muslim-Jewish Day of Friendship”.[15][16] In 2005 Ali was a campaign supporter of Jun Choi the Democratic candidate for Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, which Choi won.[17]

2006 election campaign

On October 1, 2005 Ali announced his candidacy for inclusion on the Democratic slate for the three positions for "Legislative District 39 which includes Montgomery Village, Washington Grove and parts of Gaithersburg, Derwood, Germantown and North Potomac." At this time he was endorsed by County Councilmember Steve Silverman. He ran on a platform "to protect the county from over-development, fight against the legalization of slot machines, and find ways to counter rising gang activity in the county."[9] Ali made a pledge to refuse "contributions from corporations or political action committees."[18]

MCEA endorsement

On January 30, 2006 candidate Ali "accompanied an [Montgomery County Education Association] MCEA contingent to Annapolis to lobby legislators to improve the state's...teacher pension system."[19] By June 2006, MCEA had given Ali its "much sought-after endorsement"[19] which "has always carried considerable weight in the minds of county voters."[20]

Anti-Muslim protestor

File:Trespass notification.jpg
Trespass notification issued to Truett.

On August 12, 2006 Timothy James Truett of Montgomery Village made a "call to Ali's office in which he asked if Ali was a Muslim and made derogatory remarks about Islam to Ali's campaign manager." After that Truett drove to "the cul-de-sac outside Ali's Gaithersburg home, which doubles as his campaign office."[21] There he sat down in a lawn chair near the home "with a hand-lettered sign bearing a crude denunciation of Islam [that said "Islam Sucks"]." Truett "who wore a T-shirt reading 'This mind is an Allah-free zone'." Ali went out to look at the man and take pictures but did not speak to him, explaining "I knew he was there to bait me." Truett made an obscene gesture and told Ali "'You are a terrorist. ...You guys are violent extremists.'"[22] Ali recalled his feelings at the time "I felt like he was intimidating and trying to menace me and my family, similar to when people burned crosses in someone's front yard. I think it was the exact same message."[23] getting no response from Ali, Truett "appearing upset, stood and left." Ali followed him and got pictures of his license plate. Truett then phoned Ali's office again but was hung up on. Both Ali and the Police agreed that nothing illegal had happened, as he "was in a common area and not on Ali's property. But police apparently notified the man later that he could be arrested if he did go onto the candidate's property in the next year."[22] Ali told reporters that he is "100 percent Muslim and 100 percent American...my faith is my faith...but that's incidental." He said "his candidacy is about such matters as 'roads, the schools' and not his religion." And that "the demonstration 'reminds me of the need to build bridges amongst people and among communities.'"[22][24] Arsalan Iftikhar, of The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said that these kind of anti-Muslim sentiments can be seen nationwide, including "Everything from hate crimes to mosque vandalism to drive-by shootings."[23]

Washington Post endorsement

On September 10, 2006 Ali was endorsed by the Washington Post which one county political veteran ranked as only behind that of the Democratic Party for its influence on local voters.[20] The Post said “Political newcomer Saqib Ali has shown good command of issues and would bring new vigor to this district's delegation.”[25]

Primary

On September Sept. 20, 2006 it was announced Ali had won the Democratic primary in Maryland's 39th Legislative District, defeating incumbent Del. Joan F. Stern for a position on the slate with Dels. Nancy J. King and Charles E. Barkley for the November general election. Stern had lost the outright endorsement of King and Barkley as she wasn't seen as a team-player. King noted that "Ali was a ‘‘breath of fresh air” to voters." While political veteran Gene Counihan said ‘‘As far as I could see, he followed the book on how to win an election. I saw him on the campaign trail more than anybody. He was out door-to-door; he had impressive literature. He wanted it.” Ali ascribed his electoral victory to connecting with voters ‘‘Our campaign had a lot of energy. It had that underdog feel that struck a chord with people and resonated. When you talk to real voters, not the insiders, they care if you pay attention to them. They remember that you listened to them. People appreciate new blood.”[26]

King won 28 percent of the vote, Barkley fetched 27 percent, Ali came in with 25 percent and Stern took 18 percent, according to unofficial results. With about 16,600 District 39 voters going to the polls.[26]

On November 2, 2006 The Washington Post endorsed the Democratic slate calling Ali "a bright newcomer".[27]

General Election

Ali, King and Barkley faced Republican challengers David Nichols, Gary Scott and Bill Witham in the November, 2006 election. The Democratic slate won averaging 22.4% over the Repulican slate which averaged 10.9% of ballets cast.[28]

After his election Ali told reporters that his “district is about 40 percent minority…and part of his campaign involved introducing those new immigrants to the political process, registering new voters and showing them how to cast a ballot. ‘Bringing new Americans into the process is good for everybody. It's empowering.’”[29] Ali was able to raise nearly $120,000 for his campaign.[29]

Attendance at CAIR banquet

On Nov. 17, 2006 Ali was a guest of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) banquet in Arlington, Va. "to support CAIR's civil rights and advocacy work on behalf of the American Muslim community." Elected officials who spoke at the event included Mike Honda (D-CA) and Albert Wynn (D-MD), while Rep-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) spoke by video. The event raised more than $620,000.[30]

Committee Assignment

On Dec. 27, 2006 it was announced that Ali was assigned to the House Environmental Matters Committee in the Maryland General Assembly.[31]

Maryland's 423rd legislative session

Taking Office

On Jan. 10, 2007 Ali officially took up his office. He was not alone as a political newcomer to Maryland’s Legislature, 33 other Delegates were also elected for the first time (with 11 freshmen state senators).[32] Ali's Democratic Party held 104 of 141 delegate seats and 33 of 47 senate seats, giving them veto-proof margins in the State Legislature.[32] Attending the ceremonies was U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) who had first become a State delegate 40 years ago and is now retiring from politics. The Legislature gave him a standing ovation.[32]

After officially taking office Ali was interviewed by the Associated Press “As Ali sat awaiting his first day in office Wednesday, holding his snoozing 8-month-old daughter outside the House chamber”.[33] When asked about the anti-Muslim protestor during the campaign he said the protester “was an exception to his experience on the campaign. …‘It was disappointing that that kind of bigotry would still rear its head, but I understand it was an isolated incident. Occasionally people would ask if I was Muslim, but most of the time it was a curiosity, not an obstacle.’”[33] Ali did not want to be seen as just a novelty because of his religion, he said he’d “like to work on transportation matters and to pass a bill making it tougher for companies to track information and buying habits of private citizens.”[33] He wanted his constituents to know he’s one of them, “I will represent the Muslims, but more importantly, I will represent all the people. I’m a Muslim, but I’m also a resident.”[33] In other interviews that asked the same question, Ali replied “I'm Muslim, and that'll always be the case, but I'm here to push good issues and good policy for all Marylanders. …We're looking for good ideas”,[29] and "I'm here to push good ideas, not so much to push my faith."[32]

The AP remembering the Quran Oath Controversy of the 110th United States Congress noted that “There was no religious controversy as Ali took the oath of office with his colleagues. Maryland lawmakers do not hold their hands on a religious text while taking office.”[33] Other members of the Maryland House celebrated the fact that Maryland continues to have religious diversity in its Legislature. Del. Anne Healey, (D-Prince George’s County) said “I think it’s great. Maryland has had a history of religious tolerance going back to the founding of the colony.”[33] Also joining Ali in the Maryland House is Kumar P. Barve (D-Montgomery County) a Hindu whose been in office since 1990. Ali will be working in "the oldest statehouse in the country still in use by lawmakers and [a place] that George Washington once walked the hallways."[32]

Slot Machines

After his election to Governor, Martin O'Malley (D) renewed his four year call for the state to use revenue from slot machines to reduce its fiscal problem. Concerning the issue he said “I'd like to do it right now, sooner rather than later. You kill the snake while you got the hoe in the hand.”[34] Opposition to slot machines was one of the issues that Ali ran on and he repeated this position on Maryland Public Radio, citing his fears of the effects that such a measure would have on families of gambling addicts and calling for the state to close corporate tax loopholes instead.[35] The need to speedily implement slot machine usage in the state was also questioned by MD Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch, (D-Anne Arundel), who “saw no need to take up the issue this year”.[34]

Muslim political participation

On Nov. 7, 2006 in CNN’s "Election Night 2006" coverage Candy Crowley mentioned Ali in a discussion about Keith Ellison (D-MN) and the growth of Muslim political participation in the United States.[36] Mohammed Babah, president of the Muslim Community Center of Maryland saw Ali's election as important for his community ‘‘This is huge. I believe we have a voice now, a voice that is not of suspicion, a voice that will show the Muslim view. After 9/11, Muslims were under the microscope. To elect this man shows the confidence that the country has in the majority of good Muslim people. This is reassuring.”[26]

The Washington Post reported that since "Saqib Ali was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates this month, he has been flooded with calls and e-mails from across the country asking: How'd you do it? The calls come from American Muslims like Ali, who, longtime political watchers and Muslim activists in the area say, is the first Muslim elected to a statewide -- or districtwide -- office in Maryland, Virginia or the District. ...eight Muslims ran for office in Maryland this year, significantly more than in previous years, although only Ali won. And initial polling data and anecdotal evidence suggest that significantly more Muslims in Virginia registered and voted this month than in previous elections." Ever since his election Ali "has been busy answering those requests for advice [from other Muslim's wanting to get civically involved]. 'What I tell them is, know your community well, work hard and don't be a one-issue candidate. And don't let anyone paint you as "the Muslim candidate."'"[5]

Del. Saqib Ali (D-MD) joins U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), State Senator Larry Shaw (D-North Carolina), and State Rep. Saghir "Saggy" Tahir (R-New Hampshire) as the only elected Muslim officials in the United States of America as of 2006.[4]

Personal

Like Ali, his parents and sister are long-time Montgomery County residents. He has been married since 1999 to his wife Susan whom he met when they were working at a computer networking firm. They originally lived in Montgomery Village, but moved to Gaithersburg with their 1-month old daughter Sofia. Upon taking office they have relocated to Annapolis.

Ali is employed as a Senior Software Engineer by The Mitre Corporation in McLean,VA where he works on classified national security projects. He will be the only engineer among all 188 legislators in the Maryland General Assembly. [19][9]

On April 10, 2005 The Washington Post ran a story about the couple's struggle with a holoprosencephaly (HPE) pregnancy, and an on-line chat with them about reaction to the story.

Electoral history

  • 2006 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 39th District[28]
Voters to choose three:
Name Votes Perecent Outcome
Nancy J. King, Democratic 18,651   23.5%    Won
Charles Barkley, Democratic 18,253   23.0%    Won
Saqib Ali, Democratic 16,455   20.7%    Won
David Nichols, Republican   9,278   11.7%    Lost
Gary Scott, Republican   8,363   10.4%    Lost
Bill Witham, Republican   8,244   10.4%    Lost

External links

His campaign website and more information about Delegate Saqib Ali can be found at http://alifordelegate.com/

Sources

  1. ^ a b "Indo-Americans make a mark in US polls". Hindustan Times. November 8, 2006. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2006
  2. ^ Lalit K Jha (Sunday, November 12, 2006). "Indians stamp presence in US polls". {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  3. ^ "Asian-Americans rack up wins around the country". AFP, WASHINGTON. Nov 10, 2006. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  4. ^ a b Abdus Sattar Ghazali (11/16/2006). "American Muslims in 2006 elections". Al-Jazeerah. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Michelle Boorstein (November 30, 2006). "More Muslims Gaining Political Ground". Washington Post. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  6. ^ a b "About Saqib Ali". Friends of Saqib Ali, 2006. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2006
  7. ^ "2006 voters guide". Montgomery County Gazette. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  8. ^ a b Richard Leiby (October 28, 2004). "Driving While Plastered". Washington Post. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2006
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Saqib Ali Declares Candidacy" (PDF). Friends of Saqib Ali. October 1, 2005. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  10. ^ Brooke W. Stanley (Dec. 17, 2003). "National issues top discussion at Van Hollen meeting". Montgomery County Gazette. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  11. ^ "Sizing Up the Cheney-Edwards Matchup". Washington Post. October 7, 2004.
  12. ^ Alicia McGee (June 30, 2004). "Muslims, Jews unite for community service". Montgomery County Gazette. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  13. ^ Saqib Ali (March 1, 2005). "Longdraft widening opposed". Maryland Gazette. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  14. ^ Jaime Ciavarra (Aug. 10, 2005). "Longdraft widening meets Gaithersburg council opposition". Montgomery County Gazette. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  15. ^ Melissa Chadwick (Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005). "Chabad group forms for upcounty Jewish community". Montgomery County Gazette. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  16. ^ "Jews, Muslims Unite for Community Service". Washington Post. September 22, 2005. p. 18.
  17. ^ "Saqib campaigning for Jun Choi in Edison, NJ". 05/30/2005. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  18. ^ "Saying No to Corporate Dollars". Washington Post. November 10, 2005. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2006
  19. ^ a b c "Montgomery County Education Association endorses Saqib Ali" (PDF). June 8, 2006. Retrieved on Dec. 10, 2006
  20. ^ a b Sean R. Sedam (June 9, 2006). "Teachers union's backing is key in Montgomery". Montgomery County Gazette.
  21. ^ "Man mocks Muslim candidate at his home". Associated Press. August 14, 2006. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |atuhor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  22. ^ a b c "Man Denounces Islam Outside Candidate's Home". Washington Post. August 14, 2006.Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  23. ^ a b Nancy Yamada (8/14/2006). "A Muslim Backlash?". WUSA CBS. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Bigoted Protestor Strikes Ali Campaign HQ". Aug. 12, 2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  25. ^ "Choices in Montgomery". Washington Post. September 10, 2006. Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  26. ^ a b c "Newcomer Ali upsets incumbent in Dist. 39 primary". Montgomery County Gazette. Sept. 20, 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  27. ^ "Choices in Montgomery For the General Assembly". Washington Post. November 2, 2006. Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  28. ^ a b "House of Delegates Results". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  29. ^ a b c Justin Fenton (January 11, 2007). "The freshman class". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  30. ^ "First Muslim Congressman Addresses CAIR Banquet". November 20, 2006. Retrieved on Dec. 11, 2006
  31. ^ Alan Brody (Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006). "Montgomery gains a seat on key state budget panel". {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 30, 2006
  32. ^ a b c d e Jennifer Skalka (January 11, 2007). "Curtain rises on '07 session". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  33. ^ a b c d e f Kristen Wyatt (Thursday, January 11, 2007). "Maryland's first Muslim lawmaker takes office". Associated Press. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  34. ^ a b Jonathan Crawford (January 10, 2007). "Md. Assembly Opens With 'Happiness' But Tough Battles Loom". Capital News Service. Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  35. ^ "Saqib Ali interview - WAMU 88.5 FM". Dec. 7, 2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Jan. 13, 2007
  36. ^ "Election 2006 - Wolf Blitzer, Host". CNN. November 7, 2006.
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