Press Room

AAI in the News

First Muslim on His Way to Congress

By Rochelle Olson
McClatchy Newspaper
Posted on Monday November 20, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS—Already the balancing act is evident for Representative-elect Keith Ellison.

Five years after the 9/11 attacks, and with an ongoing raw debate about clashing civilizations and Islamic extremism, Minnesota voters sent the first Muslim to Congress.

Ellison, a Democrat, downplays the role of religion in his drive for office, and he says residents of his district will come first. But the former Detroiter acknowledges his status change, pulling him to be a spokesman for Islam in America.

His views on the Mideast are expected to carry more weight than a typical freshman’s, and Ellison already is hoping to make two trips to the region, one to Israel and another to Iraq.

“By default, he will become a national symbol in the Muslim community and a voice heard around the world. The message being: America is open to all people, including Muslims,” said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

New status, same daily routine

Ellison is quiet about his religion, but it affects his politics. He spent most of the fall campaign abstaining from food and water during daylight hours because of Ramadan. The lack of sustenance may have contributed to a more subdued candidate and at least one lackluster debate performance.

Ellison is to take the oath of office in Washington on the Quran. He also will, as he does every day, unroll his prayer rug five times a day, bend on his knees and face Mecca.

Ellison already has received a flood of international attention. He has made headlines in India and appeared on Serbian television. His name is known in Israel.

He’ll carry into office the hopes of Muslims and the expectations of a home district that includes half of Minnesota’s Jewish population and plenty of urban problems.

James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, said the victory means a great deal.

“He’s the Jackie Robinson,” Zogby said, referring to the first black man to break the color line in major league baseball. “The rest now is up to him.”

Told about the Robinson comparison, Ellison raised his eyebrows and said, “That’s a bit of hyperbole, isn’t it?” He thought some more about Robinson and said, “I think he was just worried about playing baseball, trying to get a hit.

“I think six minutes after I’m there, it’s not going to be an issue. I’ll do my thing on Friday,” referring to the weekly Muslim holy day, “and make prayer when I need to.”

‘Peace first’ candidate

Awad has known Ellison since their days at the University of Minnesota, where the future congressman attended law school. He said the victory is big for Muslims struggling with religious identity and a desire to belong in America. Ellison received financial support from Muslims across the country.

CAIR and Awad were dragged into the campaign spotlight because Ellison’s opponents tried to tie them to terrorism.

Ellison campaigned as a “peace first” candidate who wants out of the Iraq war as soon as possible. While he denounces terrorism, he also talks about how the United States must be a leader in negotiating with all sides, making the peace.

“I’m going to say something corny; I believe I’m here to put love in the world,” he said. “I’m trying to make a positive impression on history, not a negative one. I’m not going to lash out at somebody because they don’t see the bigger picture.”