RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Palestinian-American businessman Farouk Shami on Monday said that Arabs in America should become more actively involved in US politics.

Shami made the comments during a TV interview with Ma'an Mix satellite channel, stressing that Arab and Palestinian communities in the United States can make a significant impact in political positions and counter the influence of Jewish and Zionist lobby groups.

Even political positions in American are won by those who pay the most, the businessman said.

Shami, who hails from Beit Ur village near Ramallah, ran for governor of Texas as a Democrat in 2010 but was unsuccessful. He said one of the main reasons why he lost the race was because Arabs did not vote for him.

The full interview will be broadcast on Ma'an Mix satellite channel at 9 p.m. on Monday.