Keith Ellison, a candidate for US Congress in Minnesota, overcame long odds ("He's black! He's Muslim! He didn't pay parking tickets!") to beat several qualified candidates in the Democratic primary on September 12th. Because his district is one of the bluest in the country, he is likely to win in November against Republican opponent Alan Fine and become the first ever Muslim member of Congress. Although Canada, the UK, and most European countries have had Muslims in their legislative bodies for some time, a win in America's non-parliamentary system is extremely difficult for political minorities (witness the Green party). But then again, Ellison, to his credit and wisdom, never ran as a minority.

Though he always maintained that he was a man who lives his life "in a way not to make religion a big deal," he is now getting a lot of attention from people, both non-Muslim and Muslim who want to do just that. In Ellison's success, is there a lesson for Muslims in how to demonstrate their values to wider society without beating them on the head with proselytisation? And can non-Muslims return the favor of Ellison's humility in not ascribing a religious fervor to the man that he obviously does not have?

Until now, the image of a Muslim getting involved in politics in the West has been to address Muslim concerns only and preach to everyone else. Muslim candidates often had little or no grassroots experience among the general electorate, and their campaigns were often an exercise in vanity. Well intentioned, perhaps, but myopic and counter productive. There are Muslim leaders (often self-proclaimed) and then there are leaders who happen to be Muslim. We are finally witnessing the ascendance of the latter.

But what does this say about the Muslim electorate? Chances are, if Muslims saw another candidate with Ellison's stands on gay rights, abortion, and his suspiciously boiler plate platform on Israel, Iran, and the Middle East, they would not support him. Yet Ellison has the admiration of his Muslim constituents in the same way that a Muslim girl, Hammasa Kohistani, was spared much grief after her selection as Miss England, or that Yusuf Islam is confident enough to venture back into pop music. In other words, the notoriety supercedes the reservations. Beyond this, Muslims in the west should realize that they are seeing the face of future generations take shape, generations that might adopt cultural and political values that aren't necessarily the same as their forebearers or against Islam as they choose to practice it.

Politically speaking, issues like equal rights for gays within a pluralistic society make sense when Muslims demand the same equal protection (the Muslim Council of Britain, who clashed with gays earlier this year, should take note). Ellison's support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is, after all, what the majority of those populations want. And Ellison's opposition to Iran's nuclear proliferation is a rational one if Muslims feel Israel should oblige as well. But all these relatively mainstream opinions have so far escaped the Muslim political discourse in favor of our own interests. That has kept Muslims from getting anywhere.

Ellison's battle is, of course, not over. The increasing attention on his religion, driven mainly by right-wing websites, could swell the coffers of his long-shot opponent (as Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney experienced to her detriment this year). But Ellison is running as a candidate for all his district and reaching out to whites, African-Americans, and Jews, and this broad coalition will nearly guarantee a victory in November. Muslims should honor his success and follow his example by reaching out to fellow citizens where they live and where their broader interests coincide, not just to their fellow Muslims in isolation. And while we should be vigilant against the near certainty of baiting from Fine and his supporters, we must be careful not to make Ellison's job harder than it is.

For example, much of the negative campaigning against Ellison since his victory has been due to the (mostly last minute) involvement by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Though many of the charges against the organization or its officials are unfounded and/or separated from Ellison by many degrees, it is well understood that CAIR is a lightning rod when it comes to certain circles of politics. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, it may have been prudent for the group to keep a low profile. Though Ellison's Democratic opponents steered clear of religion, Republican opponent Fine has used the increased political attention by CAIR and others to dredge up all sorts of unsavory Muslim stereotypes (such as calling Ellison an "extremist"). This was a relatively easy trap to stay out of.

Muslims are understandably proud of Ellison's achievement, but while we celebrate, we must take another sobering look at reality. We have no more political power than we did the day before the primary, which is to say we have very little. Before we congratulate ourselves too much, we need to realize that Ellison deserves most of the credit. He worked very hard for many years to get where he is, all the while being unknown to most Muslims outside the Twin Cities. To be sure, Muslims helped in the way that any political supporters do, with donations, canvassing, and so forth. But as individuals, we helped no more so than Ellison's non-Muslim constituents did, and as a group, far less so. The more we tout him as "the Muslim congressman" or "our candidate", the more we inhibit Keith's ability to do his job effectively. And having a member of Congress - one who just happens to be Muslim - that contributes positively is the best possible outcome. As Muslims, we need to get out of Keith's way and let him do his job, and he can make our community proud in return.

well put.

Those interested in following this election from a local perspective should check out:

http://e-democracy.org/mpls

and

http://e-democracy.org/mn-politics

Steven Clift
E-Democracy.Org

P.S. If you want to post, we have a strict real name, city post signing policy.

Being "proud of" someone because he "happens to be a Muslim" is a recipe for disappointment.

The other side of the coin is feeling guilty of someone's stupid utterances and actions because he "happens to be a Muslim."

Keith Ellison has a good interview at DemocracyNow.org.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/09/14/1351249

Excellent post, Shahed.

Great interview. I like Keith's response that he is engaging the Muslim community because he thinks that it needs to be represented, along with other groups, and NOT because he is a Muslim, per se.

If religion is an issue, then maybe Mr. Ellison should take some direction from another democrat, John F. Kennedy Jr. When Mr. Kennedy, a Catholic, ran for the presidency, there was concern about his possible allegiance to his Catholic faith and allegiance to the Pope. He clearly stated that his religious beliefs would not be brought into the Oval Office. There is a great deal of suspicion of muslims and the desire to implement Islamic beliefs into American culture, holidays for one, and to eventually make the United States Islamic. Let's be honest, a muslim that practices his/her faith and accepts Sharia and the Caliphate as Divnine mandate for governing, will work to that end here in the US. As a non-muslim, I am suspicious of such intentions. I can tell you that other non-muslims are too. Readers here may not like to hear this but this is what many non-muslims think.

Although many would like to make Mr. Ellison's religion and race the key issue, it is not. What is the issue is his longstanding disregard for the law and community norms, and whether someone with such an attitude should be "rewarded" by being elected.

Although you may scoff (unpaid parking tickets!!!) it is what the unpaid tickets and other problems suggest: Keith Ellison is not the sort of man (Muslim or otherwise) that should be sent to Washington. In case you don't know the detail, read this from the local Minneapolis paper about Ellison:

- 40 unpaid parking tickets and nine moving violations since 2000.
- Multiple suspensions of his driver's license.
- $25,000 in unpaid back taxes incurred years ago (later paid, after he was caught)
- A long record of campaign finance violations (including being sued twice by Minnesota's attorney general over campaign filings) numerous warnings, a default judgment and even a collection agency put on him.
- Even this year, while accepting his party's nomination, he faced fines of over $2,500, including $1,500 for a "willful" violation that could have been charged as a criminal gross misdemeanor.

Is this the person Muslims want representing them in Congress?

To read more, go to:
http://www.startribune.com/191/story/683044.html

>I am suspicious of such intentions. <

Racists and Islamophobes are suspicious of any Muslim. I guess you're under the impression that Muslims care what right wing slime like you think. I wouldnt vote for a canditate based on religion....but if you dislike him, he's probably done something right after all.

>Is this the person Muslims want representing them in Congress?<

Seems to me his being Muslim is a bigger issue for you bigots. Wow, unpaid parking tickets.......the nerve of this guy. Now if he was an dim witted, crack smoking alcoholic turned armageddonist christofascst who couldnt walk in a straight line after eating a pretzel....that would be scary.

Wow... thank you for your thoughtful and reasoned comments. Now I see the light. But one last thought.

Not "unpaid parking tickets"... FORTY unpaid tickets... plus campaign finance violations... plus unpaid taxes...

If you think that long-standing pattern of disrespect for the law qualifies a man to make law and direct the affairs of a nation, then I would submit you are the person indulging in racism and/or religious bias (in this case, pro-bias).

I wouldn't care if he were Christian or Jew - his track record shows he's not responsible enough to be elected to high office.

"I wouldn't care if he were Christian or Jew - his track record shows he's not responsible enough to be elected to high office."

How many of the "responsible" congresspeople read the "Patriot Act" before signing it?

And talking about being "responsible", what is your comments on the Bush administration?

Yes, there are irresponsible people in Washington...

So your argument is that we should elect MORE irresponsible people to high office, especially if they're black and/or Muslim? Good thinking - that will solve the issues.

Why can't anybody here civilly address the issue at hand - Keith Ellison and his track record of disrespect for the law? Is it because it can't be defended that you veer off into race-baiting and Bush-bashing?

DrM. So I'm a right wing slime. Instead of inquiring about my view points, you partake in character assasination.

So much for any respectful dialogue on this site.

Keep up the good work there DrM. You are credit to the Islamic faith.

Truthteller, before you give Muslims civic lessons, please allow to ask me: What is your background? That is: Race, education, religion, location, and source of knowledge about Islam/Muslims, etc.?

Liquat Ali,

I'll tell you mine if you'll tell me yours.

But: exactly what do your questions have to do with the qualifications of Mr. Ellison to serve in the U.S. Congress? If I'm a Catholic or Jew does that discount my arguments? If I'm not black, does that mean I think he's unfit because I'm a racist? And what does my knowledge of Islam have to do with anything, since I'm not analyzing the Islam faith in any manner, but only the character of an individual.

I guess if my credentials don't suit you, you will not consider my fact-based opinion (which you interpret as "giving civics lessons to Muslims".)

I must tell you, I'm learning new things about the Muslims on this site every day by reading the replies to my postings.

Truthteller, I am a Muslim born in a Muslim family. I am a US citizen. I was born in Pakistan, now reside in Connecticut. I have been studying Islam all my life, and have been focusing exclusively on the Qur'an for the past 5 years. Here is my website: http://www.quraninstitute.org

OK, here's mine: I am a Roman Catholic, brought up as a Presbyterian; born in the U.S.; now residing in the upper Midwest. I am male; over 50 years old. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, and am a senior executive with a global company. My knowledge of Islam comes from what I have read in comparative religion books as well as web materials.

Now, what does that have to do with Keith Ellison?

>DrM. So I'm a right wing slime. Instead of inquiring about my view points, you partake in character assasination. <

I've read your comments before and know exactly what you're about slimey. Your attack on Ellison is character assasination based on his religious affiliation. Your ineffective imitation of good posting style only serves to illuminate your lack of substance, good taste, and decency.

>So much for any respectful dialogue on this site. <

Yeah, you should talk.

>Keep up the good work there DrM. You are credit to the Islamic faith.<

Thanks bud. Dont get your panties in a twist because you get called on your racism, and idiotic commentary. Too bad you're not a credit to anyone but scooby snacks.

>So your argument is that we should elect MORE irresponsible people to high office,<

Well I dont see you bloviating about anyone elses record. Nor does it take private eye to figure out that you're from a rival faction of the DemocRATic party or some right wing hayseed Republican.

>OK, here's mine: I am a Roman Catholic, brought up as a Presbyterian; born in the U.S.; now residing in the upper Midwest. I am male; over 50 years old. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, and am a senior executive with a global company.<

Very impressive. So where do you make the time to warn the world of the danger of electing people with unpaid parking tickets? I'm sure this has nothing to do with the rise of anti-war candidates.....

Hey DrM (Dr. Moron?)... butt out. My response was to Liaquat Ali's question.

I know it probably taxes your doltish neanderthal mind to comprehend more than one post at a time, but you really should try it.

On second thought, don't - you'll just get all the big words mixed up and twisted... just like your integrity and reasoning skills. (But congratulations on using "bloviating" in a sentence.)

Hey, you fasco-leftist bomb throwing nutcase, why don't you should run along now to your cultish leftie self-help group where you can rant to other cretins?

There - I've sunk to the usual DrM level of discourse. You should understand it.

Thank God you are not representative of Muslims everywhere. (I hope.)

"My knowledge of Islam comes from what I have read in comparative religion books as well as web materials."

So it is safe to assume that you don't know much about Islam or Muslims.

Note: I don't claim to know much about Christianity/Catholocism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, etc.