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American Muslim Democratic Caucus Hosts DNC Luncheon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Muslim Americans, who have found themselves at the center of this election year conversation about terrorism, gathered Thursday afternoon for a DNC luncheon at the Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted by the American Muslim Democratic Caucus.

Sarwat Hussein, co-chair of the AMDC, says due to their conservative views, many Muslims gravitated towards the Republican Party, but....

"It seems like the Republican Party has become hate-mongers, so we don't want to be a part of that," Hussein said, "so many Muslims have moved to the Democratic Party."

She says prior to 9/11 there were no Muslims in high levels of government, and she stresses everyone needs to be involved to ensure that they are included.

"This is the rainbow of the American tapestry that we all are different colors, different cultures," she said. "That's the beauty of America!"

Hussein says the American Muslim Democratic Caucus is fighting to encourage Muslims to vote and to make it easy for them to vote. Right now, only one mosque in America might get a voting booth come November.

"And inshalah (god willing) next elections, we will see that more mosques have it," Hussein said.

Among some of the guest speakers at the luncheon were Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senator Harry Reid and Senator Cory Booker.

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