Minn. could elect Muslim congressman

Ron Burgundy · 09-13-2006, 01:50 AM

AP - A state lawmaker could become the first Muslim elected to Congress after edging out three rivals Tuesday for his district's Democratic nomination.

MINNEAPOLIS - A state lawmaker could become the first Muslim elected to Congress after edging out three rivals Tuesday for his district's Democratic nomination.

Keith Ellison, 43, prevailed after overcoming questions about parking tickets, overdue taxes and his ties to the Nation of Islam. Because the district has long been dominated by Democrats, he will be a heavy favorite to win the Minneapolis-area seat in November.

Ellison courted the liberal wing of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party by comparing himself to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone — and many voters responded. Others relished the chance to elect a minority to Congress from Minnesota for the first time; Ellison is black.

"We came together, all colors, all faiths, all of us," a jubilant Ellison said. "We said from the very beginning this campaign is about everybody counts."

The retirement of U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo after 28 years opened a competitive DFL primary contest in Minnesota's most Democratic district. The race included Sabo's former chief of staff, Mike Erlandson; former state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge; and Minneapolis City Council member Paul Ostrow.

Ellison got the DFL endorsement in May. But he quickly ran into difficulty after reports of overdue parking tickets, late campaign finance reports and unpaid taxes. He also faced questions about anti-Semitism because of his past ties with the Nation of Islam, a black Muslim group led by the confrontational Louis Farrakhan.

Ellison, a criminal defense attorney who converted to Islam as a college student, has since denounced Farrakhan and been endorsed by a Minneapolis Jewish newspaper. He has also pledged to improve his record-keeping.

IminWonderland · 09-13-2006, 07:36 PM

My Mom told me that if this happens, it's the start of the end times and the start of Muslim control of America.

Publius · 09-13-2006, 07:37 PM

i hope he wins

Ardentfrost · 09-13-2006, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by IminWonderland

My Mom told me that if this happens, it's the start of the end times and the start of Muslim control of America.

my mom probably thinks the same thing.

Of course, she probably doesn't know about it.

IminWonderland · 09-14-2006, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by Ardentfrost

my mom probably thinks the same thing.

Of course, she probably doesn't know about it.

She told me while she was here...

"You know, those muslims, and the mexicans, they are gonna take over, and it's not going to be a country you recognize."

I wish I can only talk to her when I'm on Valium.

beez · 09-14-2006, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by IminWonderland

My Mom told me that if this happens, it's the start of the end times and the start of Muslim control of America.

I think my mom is going to end up like yours once she gets a bit older. She'll sort of skirt the fringes of crazyland with her political comments once in a while but will back off of those positions if you talk to her about them. I think once she's a little older she'll be more stubborn about it

motivez · 09-14-2006, 04:51 PM

Cool, it'd be nice to see our Congress / Senate more diverse .. like the rest of our country.

6SpeedTA95 · 09-14-2006, 05:08 PM

I dont know why there'd be people all in favor of this or against this. I dont know enough about the guy to make a judgement either way.

His religion should have nothing to do with whether or not he's elected. His performance, his work history, his ability to lead should have everything to do with him being elected reguardless of his religious background and/or history.

7960 · 09-14-2006, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

I dont know why there'd be people all in favor of this or against this. I dont know enough about the guy to make a judgement either way.

His religion should have nothing to do with whether or not he's elected.

They're for or against it because his religion will have something to do with it.

motivez · 09-14-2006, 05:17 PM

I don't know anything about the guys politics, but it's nice to see that a minority that can help promote diversity in our Government actually has a chance.

Thorgrim · 09-14-2006, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

I don't know anything about the guys politics, but it's nice to see that a minority that can help promote diversity in our Government actually has a chance.

...in the Democratic Party

ballz2wallz · 09-14-2006, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by IminWonderland

My Mom told me that if this happens, it's the start of the end times and the start of Muslim control of America.

i have no doubt most of the muslim countries would also agree...well, with the 'mulsim control of america' part

motivez · 09-14-2006, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

i have no doubt most of the muslim countries would also agree...well, with the 'mulsim control of america' part

And this is... based on what?

IminWonderland · 09-14-2006, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

i have no doubt most of the muslim countries would also agree...well, with the 'mulsim control of america' part

I'm sure they would, it's all End Time Prophecy. But that's because they'll assume that because he's Muslim, he's like, some underground fanatic. Mainstream muslims don't necessarily believe the apocolyptic side of Islam. Just like in Christianity, not all Christians take Revolations as anything more than allegory, other sects make that their focus. My mom is of the latter.

Either way, if he wins and gets a seat, good for him and his constituents. That's the way democracy works.

7960 · 09-14-2006, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

i have no doubt most of the muslim countries would also agree...well, with the 'mulsim control of america' part

he's converted muslim...... do they hold the same standing as "real" muslims?

SpicyMcVoodoo · 09-14-2006, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

I don't know anything about the guys politics, but it's nice to see that a minority that can help promote diversity in our Government actually has a chance.

How about we get some real diversity first, like an openly atheist/agnostic person...10% of people in America have no religion, while 1% are Muslim, yet Americans, according to surveys, would rather elect a Muslim or a homosexual than an atheist.

I'm so sick of religion as a de facto prerequisite to being in politics.

ballz2wallz · 09-14-2006, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

And this is... based on what?

their expressed desire to see the US under muslim rule

ballz2wallz · 09-14-2006, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by 7960

he's converted muslim...... do they hold the same standing as "real" muslims?

why wouldn't they

6SpeedTA95 · 09-14-2006, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by motivez

I don't know anything about the guys politics, but it's nice to see that a minority that can help promote diversity in our Government actually has a chance.

I think before giving a blind stamp of approval to someone based on their religion you might wanna learn more about him. If this guy were christian and everyone was all gung ho for it because he's christian you'd be having a shitfit about how thats not a qualificiation to help lead this country.

I agree diversity is a good thing, but diversity just for the sake of saying "we're diverse" is not a good thing.

motivez · 09-14-2006, 05:45 PM

I'm not giving a blind stamp approval of someone, as I said I know nothing of his politics. I'm saying diversity is a good thing and it's nice to see that there are places where a minority can have a shot.

And yes, diversity when it comes to our elected representitives IS a good thing, though people who are diverse might not be. There's a difference.

In any case, most of them [ Congress ] are far too alike to really be representitive of America.

Also, nice broad generalization about me.