Buck Wargo
GLENDALE -- A dispute between the executive director of the Muslim
Public Affairs Council and U.S. Rep. James Rogan (R-Glendale) ended
Tuesday when the congressman's campaign manager apologized for making
condescending statements about the Muslim leader.
Jason Roe, manager of Rogan's reelection campaign, sent Salam
Al-Marayati a letter of apology and met with him on Tuesday. Roe was
quoted in a June 21 article in the Los Angeles Times as saying
Al-Marayati "seems to be an apologist for Muslim terrorists."
In his apology letter to Al-Marayati, Roe said he made a mistake when
talking to the Times reporter of casually commenting on the allegations
against the Muslim leader. The comments were in reaction to a forum on
the role of alcohol in crime sponsored by the Muslim group and area
churches. Al-Marayati and Rogan's opponent, state Sen. Adam Schiff
(D-Glendale), attended the forum, but Rogan did not.
"Upon reflection, it is clear to me that this gave the impression that
I accepted as true these allegations," Roe said in the letter. "This does
not accurately represent my views. I hope you will will accept my apology
for any pain this has caused you."
Al-Marayati, who said an apology from Rogan on Friday was not enough,
appeared to be placated by the one from Roe.
"We consider this chapter closed, and it is time to move on and see
what is mutually beneficial for the community and the district,"
Al-Marayati said. "It is a challenge to overcome these kind of attacks.
In our religion, we are taught to be forgiving once somebody admits an
error. Patience and compassion are in order. I think those values serve
the interest of all parties."
Rogan's staff declined to comment, and spokesman Jeff Solsby said
there would be no more statements on the issue.
Schiff used the apology to take a swipe at Rogan's campaign, saying he
hoped it signaled a change of tactics for an organization engaged in what
he described as "slash-and-burn" campaigning, in which truth is a
casualty.
"From my own point of view, the whole disturbing incident is an
illustration of how negative and divisive the Rogan campaign has chosen
to be at this time," Schiff said. "They have offended the Muslim Public
Affairs Council. Every day, they go more and more negative."
A statement issued by Rogan on Thursday said Roe's comments were based
on allegations made about Al-Marayati's past by several groups.
Al-Marayati said Rogan explained at a Friday meeting that his foreign
policy advisor had received statements about the Muslim leader from
extremist, pro-Israeli groups.
Al-Marayati called it misinformation from interest groups outside of
the district.
