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PRESS RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 30, 2008 – Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats (BAIAD) announced today that its members have voted for the organization to endorse Senator Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary election.

"We are proud of the fact that, more than ever before, Iranian Americans are seeking to express their political views and to get their voices heard," said BAIAD president Mehrdad Moayedzadeh. "We got a call from a 76-year-old Iranian American who speaks very little English, asking for help about how to cast his vote since he will be out of town on Election Day next week. It is nothing short of extraordinary the way this man takes his vote so seriously, as if the future of his 2 grandchildren depends on it. Because it does."

Moayedzadeh added: "Democrat or not, pro-Obama or not, we strongly encourage all Iranian Americans to not only express their views, but to also get passionately and vigorously involved and participate in American politics. Having said that, the members of our organization have spoken and they have chosen for BAIAD to endorse Senator Barack Obama in next week's election."

He added: "Endorsements never imply 100% agreement with the candidate on all issues. But there is no doubt that, like millions of other Americans, many of our members are inspired by Senator Obama's passion for change and feel that he is the best viable candidate to lead the country."

baiad.org