The Arab-American Political Action Committee in Dearborn announced their endorsement for the Sen. John Kerry-Sen. John Edwards ticket in the 2004 presidential election Tuesday night.

"We believe Senator Kerry will make America stronger, safer and more respected throughout the world," said AAPAC president Abed Hammoud in a written statement. "AAPAC endorsed George W. Bush four years ago. Members of our community have strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with his policies. With respect to civil rights and foreign policy, we hope Senator Kerry will change the course the Bush administration has put America on."

"We played a role in electing George Bush and we will play a major role in unseating him," said Osama Siblani, immediate past president of the group. "He has shaken the very foundations of this country with his assault on civil rights. And no one knows better than Arab Americans how negatively the Arab and Muslim worlds view the United States right now. That has to change if we are to have a peaceful, prosperous future."

The AAPAC -- an independent political action committee -- said the endorsement process was lengthy and involved interviews with the candidates or their representatives. Kerry advocate and New Hampshire campaign chair Judge Billy Shaheen, an Arab American, along with members of Kerry's Michigan team, met with AAPAC officials Saturday, according to the AAPAC.

AAPAC leaders said they will now turn their attention to intensive campaigning for their choice of candidates in the nation's largest Arab American community.

"The Arab American community is ready to work with the Kerry/Edwards campaign to get out the vote for Kerry in this very important state and ensure victory in the race for President," Hammoud said.