Mideast politics enter Calif. local race

[tocqueville]

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 8 minutes ago

ANAHEIM, Calif. - 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.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061010/ap_on_el_st_lo/council_race_middle_east;_ylt=AtZ5NqiGf._wQBZDNV2vktWBzdAF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--