Washington — This week, Mazen Asbahi, volunteer Muslim-outreach coordinator to the Obama campaign, tendered his resignation. The Chicago-based attorney stepped down amidst personal attacks.

“I am stepping down from the volunteer role I recently agreed to take on with the Obama campaign as Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator in order to avoid distracting from Barack Obama’s message of change.” said Mr. Asbahi in his resignation letter. The resignation came as a result of questionable Internet accusations, loosely connecting him to a foreign religious organization.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) has urged both presidential campaigns to rise above post-9/11, anti-Muslim hysteria. MPAC advises Republicans and Democrats to engage Americans Muslims via civic inclusion — while disallowing the exclusion of qualified people based on “guilt by vague association.”  “We urge both Senator McCain and Senator Obama to appoint campaign coordinators that truly represent the issues affecting mainstream Muslim America,” said Salam Al-Marayati, Executive Director of MPAC. “Bringing Muslim Americans to the policy-making table is the most effective way to ensure the realization of U.S. policy objectives, both domestically and abroad.”

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans. MPAC offices are located in Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles, CA.