Posted on 10/10/2006 7:11:10 AM PDT by Valin
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Mideast politics have usurped traffic congestion and job creation as the hot topic in an upcoming municipal election, with a powerful GOP operative accusing a city council candidate of pro-Hezbollah and anti-Israel activities.
A letter by former state Republican Party chairman Shawn Steel has been circulating on the Internet accusing Syrian immigrant Belal "Bill" Dalati of helping sponsor an anti-Israel rally and associating with "zany left wing groups."
"There is much more to learn about Bill Dalati," Steel wrote in the letter. "Dalati would be a poor choice, who focuses on American's (sic) enemies in the Middle East. You have a chance to do something about it."
Dalati said the claims were unfounded, denying ties to Hezbollah or any fundraising activities on their behalf.
The letter was posted on a politically conservative site by former state Sen. John Lewis, who is a consultant for Councilman Bob Hernandez, one of Dalati's opponents in the nonpartisan race.
Steel wrote that an organization called the Arab-American Broadcasting Co. helped sponsor an anti-Israel rally in Anaheim at the height of the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah. The company shares an address with Dalati's insurance business.
(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...
This could be an explosive development!
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