Important not only because it reveals the connection between Damra and Al-Arian, but because it reminds us of how much influence radical Muslims bent on violent jihad have had, and to a great extent still have (are you listening, Mr. Norquist?) in Washington. From [1] Newsnet5.com, with thanks to Jeffrey Imm:

CLEVELAND -- Newly declassified documents federal prosecutors said point to a strong link between [2] Imam Fawaz Damra and organizations the government classifies as terrorist groups were released Monday....

An important piece of the trial had been declassified. That included transcripts of a 1998 phone conversation.

"All the aid and such. You have received it?" Damra asked.

"May God reward you and bless you" said [3] Sami al-Arian.

"You will be receiving a second portion." Damra said.

Al-Arian, an alleged moneyman for terrorist organizations, is currently under a 50-count indictment in Florida.

U.S. prosecutors claim the conversation shows Damra's own ties to those groups, NewsChannel5 reported....

The calls also speak powerfully of how influential al-Arian has been, WEWS reported.

"Last week I saw Clinton," al-Arian said in the conversation.

"You met him?" Damra asked.

"Yes by God." he said.

Later, in the 2000 election, al-Arian actually campaigned with George W. Bush, even getting an invitation to the White House, NewsChannel5 reported.