Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Submit Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs Arab World
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Democrats in the Illinois June 28, 2022 Primary election Activism
  • The Arab Daily News candidate endorsements: Cook County, Illinois American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022 Election
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs American Arabs
  • World Jewish Congress Chairman Ronald S. Lauder
    WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Receives France’s Top Distinction  Activism
  • Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Major Mariupol rescue operation conducted by Project DYNAMO, more than 480 people from Mariupol as city under violent siege falling to Russian forces. 
    Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Human Rights
  • US Congressman Sean Casten, 6th District, Illinois
    Congressman Sean Casten joins Ray Hanania Radio Show American Arabs
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8 American Arabs
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel: American Arabs
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community Activism
  • Former City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Nearly 100 candidates, officials address Arab Democratic Club forum Sunday American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    Arabs and Muslim blast Mayor lightfoot for racist store closings American Arabs
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host “forum” to explore Mayor Lightfoot’s racist crackdown on Arab stores Activism

Shallal says door not closed to another political run for office

Posted on August 25, 2014September 24, 2018 By rayhanania No Comments on Shallal says door not closed to another political run for office
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

Shallal says door not closed to another political run for office

By Ray Hanania

Andy Shallal meets voters during Washington D.C. Democratic Mayoral primary April 1, 2014.
Andy Shallal meets voters during Washington D.C. Democratic Mayoral primary April 1, 2014.

Washington D.C. businessman and activist Anas “Andy” Shallal said he is not adverse to running for office again, saying his recent run for mayor of Washington D.C. was “successful” even though he failed to win the nomination of the Democratic Party in his primary bid in April.

Shallal, the well-known owner of the popular entertainment coffee shop Busboys & Poets in Washington D.C., said he is encouraged by his experience seeking the nomination for mayor in the Democratic Primary on April 1, 2014.

Incumbent Democratic Mayor Vincent Gray lost the Democratic nomination to fellow Democrat Muriel Bowser who will face-off against two independent candidates in the November 4, 2014 General Election. Shallal was among the eight candidates who sought the nomination in the Democratic Primary in the predominantly Democratic city. Bowser is expected to easily win the election.

But many felt that Shallal helped not only expand the topics and issues discussed and debated int he election, he also served as a role model for other American Arabs to run for public office. Shallal is of Iraqi heritage. And Shallal said he has not ruled out running for another public elective political office.

“I heard it from so many people who said you just opened doors for so many other people who said you just opened doors for so many other people, young people getting involved in politics suddenly see there is a possibility … it does make a difference,” Shallal said during an appearance on Talk of the Town Radio show in Chicago Friday August 22 on WCEV 1450 AM Radio and simulcast live on www.YahalaVoice.com radio.

“You break that glass ceiling. You may not win the first time, or you may never win. But it certainly opens up the opportunity for others to run and potentially to win. That was the whole idea of running to get other people involved in the process. To teach out community that in this country that is what it takes to affect change. It’s not OK just look at the TV and scream at reporters. That doesn’t get results. What gets results is to get politically engaged and politically involved.”

Shallal said running for public office is not the only way to have an impact in our American society. He said being an activist or advocating for specific issues are important, but added that being a political candidate for public office is just as important. He said he hopes more American Arabs run in their communities also.

“I have been an activist for most of my adult life, I have always had a distaste for politics. I thought of politics as being something I didn’t want to become involved in, something dirty, something there. But then you stop and think that you always elect people we deserve. And I felt we deserve better,” Shallal said.

Shallal said that he was unfairly cast in the election always being identified as being “Iraqi born” by the media and political foes.

“A lot of people were actually bringing up the issue of being Arab. They would say Iraqi Born. Every time there was mention of my name it would start out as Iraqi born candidate,” Shallal said.

“We challenged them on that, not there is anything wrong with being Iraqi born but why is that necessary in the conversation. If you are going to say where I was born, tell me where everyone was born, too.”

Shallal said that by running for public office, American Arabs benefit the community and he encouraged other American Arabs to run and become involved in the political system.

Shallal said that Washington D.C. faces the same issues that most other major American cities face, but he said he did not feel the candidates were addressing those issues.

“I have been in the city for a long time. I love the city, a city that has so much more potential. A global city and has so many opportunities to connect with other parts of the world … we are often mired with corruption and scandal and we never really move forward on very important things that we should move forward on, such as on the homeless crisis we have, schools that are not doing so well, housing that is out of control as far as costs,” Shallal said.

“So politicians I knew who were running for office were not really speaking on those issues. I wanted to stop standing on the sidelines and criticizing those in office and wanted to run for office and be part of the solution instead of just complain.”

Shallal said his candidacy “changed the conversation” and forced the elected officials to begin discussing issues that he felt were important.

“No doubt the conversation changed when I was in the room, when I was running. We had over 50 debates throughout the campaign. The tenor of the debates and the conversation completely changed because I brought up issues none of the other politicians would dare to bring up … issues of race, issues of poverty … all those issues that I think could really make this city great. (My candidacy) certainly changed the debate,” Shallal said.

“Even after the primary when I didn’t win the primary, that conversation has continued.”

Shallal hasn’t ruled out another candidacy, although he has not made any decisions.

“The process did not turn me off. It was a great experience. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I thought I made a good showing. I made new connections and new contacts and I think the opportunity to run again is there for sure,” Shallal said.

To hear the complete radio interview, click here. All episodes of Talk of the Town and The Arab Daily News podcasts are available for download on iTunes.

Or, use the player below to listen to the audio podcast now.

Related articles
  • Andy Shallal Will Pick Up Petitions for Mayor’s Race
  • Andy Shallal enters D.C. mayoral race
  • Andy Shallal Vs. LL
  • Busboys and Poets’s Andy Shallal’s Novice Mayoral Bid Is No Sideshow
  • Meet the 2014 D.C. Mayoral Candidates: Andy Shallal
  • Bowser Wants All Candidates at Mayoral Debates
  • Excluded Andy Shallal: Shame on WUSA9!
  • Iraqi American businessman Andy Shallal runs for Mayor of Washington D.C.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs - June 20, 2022
  • AHRC Observes World Refugee Day - June 20, 2022
  • Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs - June 17, 2022

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Bloggers, Commentary, Features, News, Podcast, Ray Hanania, Spotlight, US Arab Politics Tags:Andy Shallal, Busboys & Poets, Democratic Party, Iraq, Muriel Bowser, Shallal, Vincent C. Gray, Washington

Post navigation

Previous Post: Deir Yassin Remembered recites names of murdered Gazans
Next Post: Tearing Icon of the Virgin Mary from Hawaii to be displayed in Phoenix

Related Posts

  • Extensive damage caused to a chicken farm in the Gaza Strip following an assault by Israeli soldiers Feb. 6, 2017. Photo copyright Mohammed Asad. All Rights Reserved.
    Widespread destruction in wake of Israeli attacks Arab World
  • Arab and Muslim taxpayers work with the Arab Chamber of Cook COunty Treasurer Maria Pappas to identify tax overpayments and uncollected credits that can be refunded to taxpayers. Nearly $1 million has been processed for refunding.
    American Arab Chamber to host first business dinner for retail owners Dec. 9 Activism
  • Ms Le Pen, Far-right party candidate
    The Day of Glory will come, Be Blonde & Govern Abdennour Toumi
  • Julian Assange. Photo courtesy Wikipedia
    Fissured world politics doesn’t need leaked pipes Abdennour Toumi
  • Iranian city, Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    UN rights experts call on Iran to halt execution of 2nd juvenile Arab World
  • UN official keynotes AHRC human rights gala American Arabs

More Related Articles

About 100 Residents of Orland Park filled the board meeting room Monday Oct. 17, 2016 to protest increasing Mayor Dan McLaughlin's salary 375 percent from $40,000 to $150,000 a year. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania. Analysis: Why Pekau won and McLaughlin lost Bloggers
More than 100 people take the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) ADC & ACLU Sue Trump Administration Over New Census Memo American Arabs
Donald Trump sworn in as President, courtesy the White House Trump: no president has been treated worse than me Journalism
UNESCO: Occupied Palestine and the Nag Hamadi Library Arab World
Palestine United wins 2016 soccer championship American Arabs
ADC National honors the late Sir Michael Berry American Arabs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Nearly four years in office, Pritzker fails to deliver on promises to Arab Americans
    June 12, 2022
  • Palestinian refugees forced to flee their homes at gunpoint by Jewish terrorist groups operating in Palestine in the 1930s, 1940s and after Israel was created on May 14, 1948. Photo courtesy of the United Nations
    Unresolved status of Palestinian rights makes UNRWA essential
    May 7, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • NEWS
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs
    June 20, 2022
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day
    June 20, 2022
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs
    June 17, 2022
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022
    June 16, 2022
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel:
    May 24, 2022
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8
    May 23, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community
    May 19, 2022
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host forum on Arab businesses closed by Mayor Lightfoot
    April 15, 2022

The Tabboun Column

The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
  • Tabboun
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Political Grapevine/The Tabboun, Friday Dec. 16, 2021
    December 16, 2021
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Chicago remains strongest Palestine voice
    September 7, 2016
  • The Tabboun: Israeli human rights violations hit
    June 30, 2016
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Himes questions troop deployment to Syria
    November 3, 2015
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Tabboun: Dearborn removes statue of racist former mayor
    September 29, 2015

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • HANANIA Arab News Op-Eds
  • Ukraine conflict gives Palestinians chance to redefine their conflict
    March 9, 2022
  • Mishmeshan PHC medical center destroyed in Syrian Government assaults. Photo courtesy of UOSSM Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
    President Biden’s dyslexic policy in Syria is a mess
    October 20, 2021
  • Annissa Essaibi George and family
    Annissa Essaibi George faces “race hypocrisy” in campaign to be Boston Mayor
    October 20, 2021
  • Jerusalem image of Jews and Arabs walking together. Shutterstock. Courtesy of Arab News Newspaper
    Jewish Michigan lawmaker leads push for Two State Solution
    October 7, 2021
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • Girl Fighters, new book on Yemen Book Cune Press
    New Book: Girl Fighters: Break Tradition in Yemen 
    October 25, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • 03-30-22 Arab Chamber Heritage Month Flyer
    Arab Chamber to host Arab Heritage Month dinner March 30
    March 14, 2022
  • “Rupture”, the psychological thriller produced by MBC STUDIOS, has won Best Saudi Film at the 2021 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF).
    MBC GROUP’s Rupture wins Best Saudi Film at the inaugural Red Sea International Film Festival
    December 15, 2021
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2022 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme