Source: The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20030628-104406-5307r.htm
On June 28, 2003 The Washington Times reported that "a Republican immigration lawyer from Falls Church is seeking to become the first Muslim to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly... Kamal Nawash, 33, a Palestinian Arab born in Bethlehem, says he is running for state Senate because he believes he can foster understanding between Muslims, including Arabs, and other Americans... Mr. Nawash is running in the 31st District, which includes north Arlington, Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County... He hopes to deny a third term to state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, a Democrat and Presbyterian who has represented the district for eight years... Since September 11, Muslim activists in this country increasingly have talked about the need for them to enter the political stage on the local, state and national levels to combat stereotypes and preserve civil liberties."