COLUMBUS, Ohio: No US President has ever won the elections without winning Ohio. A traditionally Republican state, Ohio's Muslim voters mostly favored the grand old party. But all that has changed. According to a nationwide survey conducted by CAIR this year, only 8% Muslims declared themselves Republican.
Just days before the election, the fight for Ohio has intensified. Barack Obama is in the lead marginally. Muslim voters are eager to make their votes count.
There was a big push for voters to register. Even on Eid day, at the mosque there were volunteers asking everyone as they entered the prayer hall, "Have you registered to vote. Its real easy. It will take a few minutes."
And there were buses ready to take voters from the mosque to the polling station for free.
"I have never seen such enthusiasm and push to vote for Obama as I did this election year, said Rahmati, an 83-year-old Obama supporter. Everyone is full of energy and enthusiasm to bring the democrats back."
Rahmati said out of her four voting children, two are voting for Obama and two for McCain. I guess I will be the tie breaker."
What are some of the issues important for the Muslims this year?
To Rahmati it's all very simple. At my age, I'm not too concerned about the economy or healthcare. But I do wish the war in Iraq would stop. Wars achieve nothing but kill innocent people. Mccain would fight for another 100 years, so Obama gets my vote. Also it will be great to hear a Muslim name 'Hussein' uttered in the White House, even though I know Obama is not a Muslim."
Manar Abdrrabbu is a 20 year old Egyptian American. She is very excited to be participating in such an important election.
"I was born and grew up in Yanbu so I never experienced elections. All this is very exciting. Minar is supporting Obama, just like majority of her friends and family.
"Young Arab voters feel that it is time for a change and they believe that Obama is that change."
Abdrabbo said the economy was the number one issue for all Americans including the Muslims.
"Also, Arabs feel McCain is very pro-Israel. With Obama there is a chance that there maybe negotiations and better efforts at peace from which everyone, (including) Jews and Muslims, will benefit."
Samar Adnan, 21 is another first time voter. She likes Obama's message of change.
"I feel Obama is the right person to bring the change. He comes from a diversified background, has lived in different places, he is better equipped to understand the modern, diversified America. Obama is also calmer and cooler of the two candidates. He is always in favor of dialogue. He will I am hoping restore the correct image of the Muslims which under the Bush administration was more of a bogeyman.
Businessman M. Khan had voted for Hillary Clinton and still thinks Obama should have chosen her for a running mate. For him economy is the prime issue in this election.
"I am luck to be living in my modest home. Many have gone from mansions to apartments because of foreclosures. But in less than a year, the value of my house went down $25,000. Unemployment in Ohio is highest in 16 years. Obama's plans for the economy are better than Mccain's. By ending the war in Iraq we will save billions."
Syed, Shahin and a handful of others who are voting for John McCain. They believe economy is the most important issue in the election. "I believe McCain can do a better job because he has loads of experience. Whoever wins the election will have a herculean task ahead of them, but McCain is a better choice."
Syed is voting McCain because he thinks Obama will bomb Pakistan, a country from where Syed originates.
In a few days history will be made in the US. Most likely a black man will enter the White House. If McCain and Palin win, then too history will be made, for never before has a woman been a vice president of the United States.
The 2.3 million American Muslims too wait eagerly for that change. But their work has just begun. They are getting organized, evolving as a strong unit evolving as a unit, rocking the vote, being heard and fighting hard to restore their image that was prior to 9/11 and before the start of the witch hunt in the name of patriotism and counter terrorism.
