It comes as a bit of a surprise, therefore, that there hasn’t really been more of a fight for the Greek-American vote. After both party conventions, I noted the absence of position papers (and – with the exception of a perfunctory reference to Cyprus – even mention of our issues in party platforms) in this presidential campaign. That critique came three weeks ago and still... nothing.

Greek-Americans have come through for both campaigns in terms of raising money (the Democratic effort led by George Tsunis has produced well over $1 million for Obama/Biden, and John Catsimatides has been very strong for Romney). Yet even there, what stands out after a quick glance over the list of Greek-American contributors in this election cycle is how many prominent donors from 2008, 2004 and the Clinton years are sitting on the sidelines. Greek-American grassroots fundraising efforts (that produced strong numbers during the primary season for Obama) are entirely absent this year.

Both parties are literally leaving money on the table. In the age of the super PACs, they may figure they can make up that money in an easier fashion and might not care. But there are other consequences. Look at the list of “swing” states. At the top of the list are Florida and Ohio, home of some of the older and best established Greek-American communities. You also have New Hampshire, where Greek-Americans make up over 1.5% of the population. Wisconsin is suddenly a swing state and two prominent Republicans – RNC chair Reince Priebus and the state co-chair for Romney, Ted Kanavas – are Greek-Americans.

Can the Greek-American vote “swing” these states? It doesn’t take an active imagination to describe how it in fact could. If Greek-American Floridians voted in greater numbers and as a bloc in 2000, they could’ve changed the result of that election. Furthermore, Greek-Americans can extend their influence over other American voters – and I won’t even assume that they can influence employees. Go to popular Greek diners and restaurants and watch politicians knock one another over to put a sign in the window or visit to shake hands.

The good news is that Greek-American voters DO care about the issues the community has traditionally advocated for. Recent online efforts have produced record participation in advocacy campaigns for Cyprus or Halki. Two weeks ago, HALC randomly surveyed over 500 Greek-Americans in the swing states of Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina and New Hampshire. 69% of respondents said that they were “paying attention to the candidates’ positions on Greece, Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate”. When asked “How likely is it that the candidates' positions on these issues will determine your vote?” 27% responded “Very likely” and 44% “Somewhat likely”.

Beyond presidential politics, key House races are playing out in suburban districts – the very districts which most Greek-Americans reside in. A quick look at Illinois, which Democrats consider central to their efforts to regain control of the House, reveals that the seats that are in play are in suburbs with large – and unusually active – Greek-American voting populations. Illinois’ 10th and 11th congressional districts could be decisively influenced by a Greek-American voting bloc, and that is why candidates in those races are attending Greek-American events, issuing position papers on Greek issues, and seeking Greek-American community endorsements.
In an election that promises a photo finish – both at the presidential and congressional level – and at a time where Greece and Cyprus are more important to core U.S. interests than any time in recent memory, it is time that Greek-American voters demand clear positions on issues of specific concern to them. Last year, when speaking to volunteers, President Obama specifically brought up a scenario of a volunteer being asked “where the President stands on Cyprus.” He told the volunteers that it was alright to say “I don’t know” and “I’ll get back to you on that.” The President and Governor Romney have just a few more weeks to “get back” to us on that. Plenty of Greek-American money and more than a few votes will be up for grabs until then.