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New Jersey - By all accounts and despite the election results, 2009 shall be recalled as the year Arab and Muslim Americans in New Jersey heralded their political prowess.

Arab and Muslim Democrats were very busy hosting and organizing events to maximize the community’s tribute to what incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine has done and promised to deliver. Whether the community voted for Corzine in the large numbers expected is not yet known.

Pundits have opined that Corzine's loss is attributable to the low number of registered Democrats who bothered to cast their vote. With Corzine's defeat, Arab American Democrats may have written their political obituaries. This fatalistic and rather premature reaction has no place in politics. But an honest look in the mirror is warranted to reassess and prioritize their plans for the next elections campaign.

Outgoing Gov. Corzine will be fondly remembered for he has outpaced all his predecessors in integrating and mainstreaming the Arab and Muslim community. Corzine's enduring legacy is manifested by his strong public support of Imam Mohammad Qatanani and the creation of the New Jersey Arab Heritage Commission. His frequent presence at our homes, places of worship and events was always seen as a recognition and achievement. He so frequently and glowingly highlighted the role our community continues to play in New Jersey's economy, culture, political participation, and empowerment. He has appointed several Arabs and Muslims to various commissions. Strong rumors have it that Corzine will soon appoint the State's first Arab American judge.

I have worked closely with Gov. Corzine and his staff to give birth to the New Jersey Arab Heritage Commission in 2008. After a four year campaign, NJ became the first state in the union to enact into law a distinct entity to honor, promote, and perpetuate the heritage and contributions of Arab Americans. The Commission is a non-partisan endeavor comprised of 25 members representing the diversity of the 240,000 Arab American residents of the state. It was perhaps one of his crowning achievements when viewed in the larger context of the prevailing anti-Arab and anti-Islamic xenophobia. We are forever indebted to Corzine's gesture and legacy.

While a U.S. senator from New Jersey, Corzine was a critical voice in the Senate advocating for the enactment of significant amendments to the infamous 2001 USA Patriot Act. In fact, I was appointed to serve on a committee named the Task Force on Civil Rights and Social Justice Issues. He was very eager to hear our views on ways to improve certain aspects of the act which stripped away many of the freedoms we have come to expect as American citizens. We have had limited access to other government officials as compared to with Jon Corzine.

Read the full story at Star-Ledger Blog