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Keith Ellison

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This article is about the U.S. congressman. For Keith Ellison, see Keith Ellison (disambiguation).
Keith Ellison
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Minnesota's 5th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 4, 2007–
Preceded byMartin Olav Sabo
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party
SpouseKim Ellison

Keith Maurice Ellison (born August 4, 1963) is an American lawyer and politician belonging to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He became the first, and to date, only Muslim[1][2] to be elected to the United States Congress when he won the open seat for Minnesota's 5th congressional district (which contains the entire city of Minneapolis) in the House of Representatives in 2006. He is also the first African American elected to the House from Minnesota, currently serving in the freshman class of the 110th United States Congress.[3] Ellison is also active on a national level in advocacy for Muslims in the United States.[4][5][6][7]

Life

Ellison's family has been in America since 1742.[8] Keith Ellison, the third of five sons, was born and raised a Roman Catholic[9] in Detroit, Michigan by his parents Leonard and Clida Ellison, a psychiatrist and a social worker respectively.[2][10] Ellison and three of his siblings became lawyers while the other became a doctor. One of his brothers is also the pastor of the Baptist "Church of the New Covenant" in Detroit.[10] Ellison's youth was influenced by the involvement of his family in the civil rights movement, including the work of his grandfather as a member of the NAACP in Louisiana.[2]

He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy in 1981 where he had been active in sports and the student Senate.[10][11] At age nineteen, while attending Wayne State University in Detroit, Ellison converted from Catholicism to Sunni Islam.[12][13][14] After graduating with a B.A. in Economics in 1987, he married his high school sweetheart[9] and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota Law School. While attending law school, Ellison wrote several articles in support of Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, which caused controversy in his 2006 election campaign. (see below) In 1990 he graduated with a degree of Juris Doctor.[15][16]

As of 2006, Ellison and his wife Kim, a high school mathematics teacher,[17] have four children born between 1989 and 1997.[18] They are a daughter, Amirah; and three sons, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Isaiah.[17] Kim is not a Muslim, but their four children have been raised in that faith.[19] During Ellison's 2006 campaign, Kim Ellison revealed that she has been living with "moderate" multiple sclerosis for several years.[20]

After law school Ellison worked with the firm of Lindquist & Vennum for three years where he was a litigator specializing in civil rights, employment, and criminal defense law.[15][18] Ellison then became executive director of the nonprofit Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis that specialized in the defense of indigent clients.[18] Upon leaving the Legal Rights Center, Keith entered private practice with the law firm Hassan & Reed Ltd, specializing in trial practice.[21]

In addition to his work for the Legal Rights Center, Ellison has also been regularly involved in community service. He served as the unpaid host of a public affairs talk program at KMOJ radio.[18] His has also often volunteered as a track coach for several organizations, working with youth between the ages of 5 and 18. He said, "It’s a great community building device because it’s for all ages and all genders. Everyone can find a way to fit in."[18]

Minnesota Legislative record

83rd Minnesota Legislative Session

In Nov. 2002, Ellison was elected to his first public office, as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives serving House District 58B. At the time he took his seat, his party was the smallest House minority in Minnesota history.[22] During this session, Ellison was appointed to the Governmental Operations & Veterans Affairs Policy Committee, the Judiciary Policy & Finance Committee, and the Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Committee.In this session he spearheaded an ethics complaint against Rep. Arlon Lindner concerning remarks about homosexuals in the Holocaust.

84th Minnesota Legislative Session

Ellison carried 84% of the votes and was re-elected to the seat for Minnesota’s House District 58B in the 2004 election. He began to serve in the 84th Minnesota Legislative Session (1/4/2005 to 1/2/2007). During the 84th session, Ellison served on the Civil Law & Elections Committee, and the Public Safety Policy & Finance Committee. With his ascent to the National Legislature, Ellison's seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives was filled by Augustine Willie Dominguez, a Latino community activist and fellow member of the DFL.[23]

2006 Congressional election

Keith Ellison during the 2006 campaign.
Main article: Minnesota 5th congressional district election, 2006

Ellison's House seat was previously held by the retiring Martin Olav Sabo, and is one of eight congressional districts in Minnesota.[24]

In the primary, Ellison faced former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge, Minneapolis city council member Paul Ostrow, and Sabo's chief of staff Mike Erlandson, whom Sabo had endorsed. Ellison won the primary on September 12, 2006 with 41% of the vote.[25]

In the November 2006 election, Ellison faced Republican Alan Fine, the Green Party's Jay Pond, and Tammy Lee of the Independence Party. Ellison won the seat with 56% of the vote.[26][27] Ellison is only the fourth person to represent the district since 1943.

The 110th United States Congress

Staff

On Dec. 1, 2006 Ellison announced he had hired Kari Moe as his Chief of Staff. She had previously served in the same position for the late Minnesota U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.[28] Ellison later announced that Brian Elliott (previously of the Clean Water Action Alliance of Minnesota) would serve as his District Director, and Trayshana Thomas (who worked with Ellison in his legal practice and throughout all stages of his political career) was made his District Scheduler.[29]

Committees

Ellison was appointed to the Financial Services Committee. He said he intends to focus on wages and housing for "relief and justice for the middle-class".[30] He will be joined on this committee by fellow Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN).[31]

On January 10, 2007 Ellison was appointed to the Judiciary Committee[32] by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA). This is a position he "had lobbied for" and he called his appointment "an honor and a privilege".[31] He spoke of his goals for this appointment, "I look forward to pursuing a progressive agenda in the committee, including the restoration of American citizens' civil liberties that have come under increasing attack over the past six years."[31] Other issues he intends to focus on while in this post are "community-oriented policing efforts, immigration, intellectual property rights and privacy concerns including the Internet."[31]

Because of Ellison’s campaign position calling for an investigation for the impeachment of President George W. Bush, his appointment to the Judiciary Committee (which has jurisdiction on these matters) was hailed by those in the Movement to impeach George W. Bush.[33]

Positions

Ellison outside the Capitol in June 2007

Votes with party in 100-Hour Plan

In his first week as a congressman, Ellison voted with the majority of other Democrats to raise the minimum wage, voted for stem cell research, and voted to allow Medicare to negotiate pharmaceutical prices.[34]

Opposition to increasing troop levels

Ellison joined fellow Minnesota freshman Democrat, Tim Walz, in opposing President Bush's plan to increase troop levels in Iraq.[35] On January 10, 2007 President Bush announced his plans for the Iraq War troop surge of 2007. The gist of this announcement had been known around the capitol for over a week, and the Associated Press interviewed Ellison on his reaction to the idea on January 8, 2007, he stated that it was “way too late, way too little …So rather than do something small and ineffective, why not get about the business of what we're going to have to do eventually, which is to begin to end the occupation?”[36] Ellison called for an immediate withdrawal in Iraq: "We could describe it as a redeployment or withdrawal, but I think we have run the course in terms of our ability to resolve this conflict militarily. I think we need to have a political and economic and diplomatic engagement, and we need to encourage the forces that are in Iraq to begin to resolve the violence in Iraq.”[36] When asked if he would support Bush’s call for an additional $100 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ellison said “I want to see (the request) first, I want to actually look at it, but I'm not inclined to continue to support a war or an occupation that he has no plans to get us out of, and which is so costly in terms of dollars and lives of American soldiers but also Iraqis.”[36] The White House, when asked for a reaction to the comments, referred to a previous statement by press secretary Tony Snow, “Democrats will have to decide where they stand on two issues: ‘No. 1, do you want Iraq to succeed, and, if so, what does that mean? And, No. 2, do you believe in supporting the troops as you say, and how do you express that support?’”[36]

Iraq War military funding vote

After President Bush vetoed HR 1591 that provided military funding for the Iraq War (because it contained timetables for withdrawal), Ellison and fellow Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum joined with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top House Democrats in voting 'no' to H.R. 2206 that provided the funding without any timetables. The bill passed the House on a 280 to 142 margin.[37]

Credit reform

On May 3, 2007 Ellison introduced a bill to outlaw universal default, the practice whereby credit card companies raise interest rates on customers if they are behind on payments to any other creditors. The bill was also supported by House Financial Services Committee chairman Rep. Barney Frank. Ellison who described the bill as “the beginning of a whole credit reform effort we’re going to be pursuing,” also announced his interest in limiting high-interest rates on credit cards and easing the process for those who have a legitimate need to file bankruptcy.[38]

Obama endorsement

On Feb. 20, 2007 Ellison endorsed the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama saying “"He speaks with a unifying spirit.” He said he supports “Obama's message of an open and fair economy, a balanced prosperity and clear opposition to the war in Iraq.” When asked about Hillary Clinton, he promised he would support whomever won the Democratic nomination, and felt that at this stage of the campaign Obama would “keep her honest”.[39][40]

Bill to impeach Cheney

Main article: US House Resolution 333

On June 28, 2007 Ellison became a cosponsor with Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Other Democratic Reps. sponsoring the bill where William Clay (MO), Janice Schakowsky (IL), Albert Russell Wynn (MD), Yvette Clarke (NY), Hank Johnson (GA), and California's Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey and Maxine Waters. Ellison's spokesperson said the effort was "largely to send a message" and the Representative "has no illusions that this is going anywhere and that's fine. We've got more important things to do that affect people's daily lives. He basically signed on out of principle, as an expression of the importance of the rule of law — that nobody is above the law, not even the vice president."[41]

Critique of Bush Administration policies

On July 8, 2007 Ellison gave a speech in Edina, Minnesota were he denounced President Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence, "If Libby gets pardoned, then he should not have the cover of the Fifth Amendment. He's going to have to come clean and tell the truth. Now, he could get Gonzales-itis [referring to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales], you know, with 71 lapses of memory within a two-hour period."[42] He also criticized Bush's White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives saying "This is basically the Department of Religious Outreach ... it's essentially a public-relations outreach arm for the Bush administration to reach out to the far right of the evangelical Christian movement. That's really all it is."[42]

Votes for contempt citations

On July 25, 2007 Ellison joined fellow Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee in voting 22-17 to issue citations of Contempt of Congress to White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers for "failure to comply with subpoenas on the firings of several federal prosecutors".[43] When asked about the President's offer to allow them to testify in private and without a transcript, Ellison stated "That won't do. There's no point of accountability. They have to be sworn. These kind of measures are necessary to ensure that truth-telling occurs."[43] Having passed the Committee the citations moved on to be voted upon by the full House.[43]

Iraq trip

On July 28-29th 2007 Ellison was among an "all-freshman bipartisan congressional delegation" visiting Iraq, arranged by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and led by Rep. Jerry McNerney, (D-CA).[44][45] Before the trip Ellison told reporters that he would be stopping over in Germany to visit wounded US soldiers being treated there.[44] He also stated that he respected any politician who visited Iraq, making note of Republican Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (who went in February 10-11, 2007 with five other governors[46]).[44] Ellison said "If this country is going to ask these young people to stand in a war zone, their political leadership should visit them."[44] In Iraq the delegation met with Iraqi and U.S. military officials, including Gen. David Petraeus ("who argued in favor of giving President Bush's troop surge strategy time to work").[45] The group in flak vests and helmets visited Ramadi in the Anbar province, Ellison noted "we did see people walking around the streets of Ramadi, going back and forth to the market."[45] He also noted that he was impressed that Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin, U.S. commander in the Anbar province, greeted people with "as-salama aleikum. And they would respond back with smiles and waves. I don't want to overplay it. There were no flowers. There was no clapping. There was no parade. But there was a general level of respect and calm that I thought was good. The success in Ramadi is not just because of bombs and bullets, but because the U.S. and Iraqi military and the Iraqi police are partnering with the tribal leadership and the religious leadership. So they're not trying to just bomb people into submission. What they're doing is respecting the people, giving the people some control over their own lives."[45] While in Ramadi, Ellison met "with two sheiks, who oversee several hundred thousand congregants."[45] Ellison told reporters that "They were very upset and concerned that al-Qaeda is misrepresenting Islam. And they were talking to me about what I can possibly do to work with them to give a clearer, more accurate picture of what Islam is all about."[45] Ellison, who assists the State Department's "outreach effort aimed at improving the image of the U.S. in the Muslim world" told them he would help any way he could.[45] Ellison said that local leaders in Ramadi told him of how they "partnered with U.S. and Iraqi military officials to virtually rid al-Qaeda from the city. There have been fewer anti-U.S. sermons as the violence has been reduced and religious leaders meet regularly with U.S. military officials."[45] After the trip Ellison, stated that he was still certain "it was a mistake for the U.S. to invade Iraq. But there are 150,000 American soldiers there now, and I care very deeply about them. I also care about the Iraqi people. I don't want to see them suffer."[45]

Advocacy for Islamic causes

With his victory to the United States House of Representatives Ellison became the first Muslim elected to the Federal Government and the highest Muslim elected official in the United States. Ellison joins State Del. Saqib Ali (D-MD), State Senator Larry Shaw (D-NC), and State Rep. Saghir "Saggy" Tahir (R-NH) as the only elected Muslim officials in the United States of America as of 2006.[47] Ellison’s election has been seen as inspirational to American Muslims, encouraging civic empowerment through participation in the political process.[48][49] Ellison generally “downplayed the role of religion in his drive for office,”[50] but since his 2006 election he has become active in advocacy for Islamic causes on a national level.

Council on American-Islamic Relations

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) was an ardent supporter of Ellison’s 2006 campaign, a fact that caused some controversy (see below). Two days after the 2006 election, CAIR announced Ellison would be a keynote speaker at their annual banquet in Virginia less than two weeks later.[51] According to a CAIR press release, this would be Ellison's “first major address” post-election.

On November 13, 2006 the Star Tribune reported Ellison said he “would not be the keynote speaker at the annual banquet for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)”. Acknowledging that “His appearance had already been announced by CAIR…Ellison said it [the apparently mistaken announcement] was the result of a ‘natural, normal miscommunication.’”[52] Though Ellison was not able to attend the event in person he sent a videotaped address.[53][54]

North American Imams Federation

On Nov. 18, 2006 Ellison gave a speech called “Imams and Politics” to the Fourth Annual Body Meeting of the North American Imams Federation.[55] The Federation' materials presented the issues to be outlined in Ellison's speech as follows: "Many Muslims around the United States are involved in political activities at different levels. Recognizing the sensitivity of political issues and the potential for divisiveness within the communities as a result of divergent political views, Imams must be able to provide Muslims with the proper guidance and educate them on the etiquettes of any political involvement within the Islamic context. Questions also arise on whether Imams and Islamic centers should be involved in politics at all and what the extent of this involvement should be, therefore Imams should have the ability to address these concerns. Overall, it is important that Imams are aware and understand the general political climate of their communities and be especially conversant with the issues that affect Muslims."[55] Ellison also took part in "Community Night" with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, and Imam Dr. Omar Shahin. This was “for Imams to meet and interact with community members.”[55] Some of the participants of this meeting became involved in the Flying Imams controversy after being removed from an Arizona bound plane for concerning behavior.[56] Ellison became involved in this controversy shortly after it erupted when he attempted to arrange a meeting between parties including US Airways executives, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and other legislators and community members.[57]

Muslim American Society and the Islamic Circle of North America

On Dec. 24, 2006 Ellison spoke at a convention held at Dearborn, Michigan for the Muslim American Society and the Islamic Circle of North America. The convention offered workshops and panels about civil rights, political engagement, and proselytizing. Ellison told the 3,000 in attendance "Muslims, you're up to bat right now... How do you know that you were not brought right here to this place to learn how to make this world better? How do you know that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala (praised and exalted is he) did not bring you here so that you could understand how to teach people what tolerance was, what justice was? How do you know that you're not here to teach this country?"[58] He spoke about how he and his staff have faced the difficulties brought out by the Quran Oath Controversy of the 110th United States Congress, "We had faith in Allah. And we patiently endured this adversity. And facing adversity bravely and with patience in the faith in Allah is an Islamic value. That's what it means to be a Muslim." He anticipated more challenges for him and all American-Muslims in the future "We're going to continue to face them. They're not going to stop right away. But if you, and me too, stick together, if we believe in Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, if we turn to the Quran for guidance, we'll find an answer to the questions we have. And we will find that we are an asset and a plus not only to our own community, but to this country, and to this whole world."[58] "You can't back down. You can't chicken out. You can't be afraid. You got to have faith in Allah, and you've got to stand up and be a real Muslim.'"[59] He again stated his resolve to use the Quran during his oath ceremony. He told the audience to look for a divine purpose in any hardship they might face "Before you begin to think that some hardship has befallen you, you need to stop and thank Allah. Because this controversy [over the Quran oath] has [benefited America because it]...made people dust off their Constitution and actually read it."[58]

MOSES interfaith group

On Dec. 27 Ellison spoke at a meeting in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Detroit for Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES). The meeting was with leaders from the Catholic, Muslim, and Arab-American communities, along with members of the organized labor movement. He told those in attendance that the principles of Islam guide his life, but he has no intention of imposing his faith on others, ""I'm not a religious leader, I've never led religious services of any kind. I'm not here to be a preacher, but in terms of political agenda items, my faith informs me." He addressed the Quran Oath Controversy of the 110th United States Congress and said that "religion should be something that unites, rather than divide people...'They've never actually tried to explore how religion should connect us, they're into how religion divides us. ...They haven't really explored...how my faith connects me to you.'"[60]

ISNA luncheon speaker

Ellison was listed as the keynote speaker for the Community Service Recognition Luncheon on September 1, 2007 during the Islamic Society of North America 2007 annual convention.[61][62]

The video of his speech can be seen here: http://www.mujahideenryder.net/2007/09/22/congressman-keith-ellison-at-isna-2007/

Promoting US with the State Department

Two months after taking office Ellison met "with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other top State Department officials to talk about showcasing his story as part of their public diplomacy efforts in the Muslim world."[63] According to the Star Tribune, Ellison was "profiled three times by the State Department’s overseas press bureau." He also "did a Voice of America interview from his office, where an American flag was placed conspicuously behind his desk for the cameras."[63] In the interview which was set to play in the Middle East and South Asia, Ellison stressed global inclusiveness and quoted verse 49:13 of the Qur’an "Oh humanity, we created you from a single pair…"[63] Ellison also accepted the Bush administrations request to be part of a "teleconference with Karen Hughes, the State Department's undersecretary for public diplomacy. The White House has asked that the teleconference promote American values and confront ideological support for terrorism around the world."[63] The Voice of America’s Faiz Rehman, ("a Pakistani native and senior political producer"[63]) applauded Ellison's cooperation saying "He is the most famous freshman congressman in the world."[63] It was noted that after he took his oath of office he was surrounded by the foreign press, intrigued in part by the oath controversy, who "had to be ushered out of his office after he took his oath to make room for home-state news crews."[63] Ellison has been "featured in a series of articles written for foreign dissemination by the Department's Bureau of International Information Programs."[63] Including an article that was translated into Farsi and Arabic that "highlighted the diversity of his constituents in Minnesota, ranging from Swedes and Norwegians to 'the largest Somali immigrant community in America.'"[63] In his work in cooperation with the state department, Ellison stresses the religious freedom available in the US, saying things like "Religious tolerance has a much longer pedigree in America than some of the intolerance we've seen lately."[63] Even in his work with the State Department he remained critical of President Bush's Iraq policy saying "he wants people around the world to know that 'there are many Americans who want to relate to the rest of the world in terms of cooperation, not military domination.'"[63] Ellison staffers told reporters that "the State Department has shown no signs of squeamishness about publicizing his criticism of the war."[63] When asked about working with elements of the Bush administration Ellison said "Hey, my country first. We can work out our political differences later. I've said I'm willing to do whatever I can to make some friends for America."[63]

Controversies

Farrakhan and Nation of Islam ties

While a law student in 1989 and 1990, Ellison wrote several columns as Keith E. Hakim in the student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily. "The first article defended Louis Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism."[64], defended Nation of Islam spokesman Khalid Abdul Muhammad, and spoke in the voice of a Nation of Islam advocate."[65] The second column "called affirmative action a 'sneaky' form of compensation for slavery, suggesting instead that white Americans pay reparations to blacks."[64] The third suggested the creation of a separate state for black residents.[66][67]

In 1995, Ellison, writing an editorial as Keith X. Ellison, stated that Farrakhan is not an anti-Semite.[68][69] The same year, Ellison was identified as a member of the Nation of Islam in the Star Tribune.[70]

In 1997, when Joanne Jackson, executive director of the Minneapolis Initiative Against Racism (MIAR), allegedly said that, "Jews are among the most racist white people", Ellison, using his religious name Mohammed, read a statement supporting her on behalf of the The Minneapolis-St. Paul Study Group of the Nations of Islam: "[We] stand by Ms. Jackson. We stand by the truth contained in the remarks attributed to her, and by her right to express her view without sanction. Here is why we support Ms. Jackson: She is correct about Minister Farrakhan. He is not a racist. He is also not an anti-Semite. This widespread and unfair practice of whites sanctioning blacks for not denouncing Minister Farrakhan represents a racist double standard, and is an impediment to any honest dialogue about race. If black people are to ever possess a collective sense of self-respect and self-determination, they must not genuflect whenever powerful whites make the unreasonable demand to denounce Minister Farrakhan. Minister Farrakhan said he did not like the tension between the black and Jewish communities, and that he was open to dialogue with any groups as long as they did not set any conditions."[71][72][65] Ellison later claimed "While some at that meeting justified her comments, I spoke out in favor of increased dialogue between the Jewish and African-American communities."[73][74]

In 1998, during his Minnesota State Legislature House campaign, as Keith Ellison-Muhammad he said he had an affiliation with the Nation of Islam, but "rejected anti-Jewish attitudes".[75][76]

Questions about Ellison's involvement with the Nation of Islam arose during his 2006 campaign. After winning the Democratic party nomination in May, he wrote a letter to the local Jewish Community Relations Council where he reportedly "asserted that his involvement with the Nation of Islam had been limited to an 18-month period around the time of the Million Man March in 1995, that he had been unfamiliar with the Nation of Islam's anti-Semitic views during his involvement with the group, and that he himself had never expressed such views."[65][77] He also stated that he was never a member of the Nation of Islam, but only worked with it to organize the Minnesota contingent to the Million Man March.[64][65]

In Ellison's letter, he denounced the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan, writing "I wrongly dismissed concerns that they [Farrakhan's remarks] were anti-Semitic. They were and are anti-Semitic and I should have come to that conclusion earlier than I did."[78] He explained his previous views, saying that he, "did not adequately scrutinize the positions and statements of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, and Khalid Muhammed."[73] He also stated that "any kind of discrimination and hate are wrong. This has always been my position"

Despite his work with the Nation of Islam, Ellison was backed by the publisher of The American Jewish World, a local Twin Cites newspaper.[2][79]

CAIR campaign contributions

During the 2006 election Nihad Awad executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), flew to Minneapolis. Along with James Yee (the former Muslim chaplain at Guantanamo Bay), Awad spoke at an August 25th fundraiser for Ellison.[64][80] According to the Minneapolis Star and Tribune Ellison accepted thousands of dollars from Nihad Awad and another leader of CAIR, “Awad donated $2,000 to Ellison's campaign in July, and at least one other CAIR employee gave $1,000. The donations are listed on Ellison's campaign finance reports, and he said he has nothing to hide.”[81] Ellison stressed he was supported by individuals within CAIR but had not been endorsed by the organization itself, “…Nor am I endorsed by CAIR. Certain individuals have donated to my campaign”.[82] His Republican opponent in the race, Alan Fine, criticized Ellison for accepting these contributions. Fine said that CAIR was "a group that Democrats say has deep ties to terrorism".[83] The Fine campaign quoted Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) alleging CAIR's "ties to terrorism" and "its association with groups that are suspect." Many conservatives and Jewish groups claim CAIR is rooted in the Hamas movement and that its leaders also secretly support Hezbollah in Lebanon. Fine went so far as to say "CAIR is to Muslims as the Ku Klux Klan is to Christians."[84] During the 2006 election Independence Party candidate Tammy Lee also accused CAIR of having secret ties to Hamas.[85] CAIR director Nihad Awad has known Ellison since they both attended the University of Minnesota,[10] “Ellison has called founder Nihad Awad an acquaintance”.[84]

In response to Ellison's opponents, CAIR leaders Parvez Ahmed and Nihad Awad wrote "We are proud of our personal donations to Ellison's campaign" and derided any 'guilt by association' arguments.[86] During this time the "Not in the Name of Islam" paid advertisement began appearing on Minnesota television channels for the first time, with Communications Director of CAIR-Florida Ahmed Bedier coordinating the ad campaign.

During October 2006, Ellison traveled to Florida on a fundraising tour that "included a party hosted by Altaf Ali, CAIR's state director there".[85][87] The party had a suggested donation of $100.[88] Since winning the 2006 election, Ellison and CAIR have continued their association.(see above)

Campaign finance violations

Campaign finance has also been an issue for Ellison. In early 2006, the Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board reprimanded Ellison for unreported contributions, discrepancies in cash balances, and misclassified disbursements. These transgressions occurred in the years 2002–2004. In 2005 when the board tried to get more information about the problems in Ellison's reports, they got no response from Ellison or his treasurer (his wife Kim). When the board heard nothing, they opened the investigation. Ellison was subpoenaed and fined.[89][90] The board has also fined Ellison numerous times for late filings][91] been sued twice by the attorney general, and has been warned many times for absent or incomplete disclosure.[77][64][92][93]

Nonpayment of fines and taxes

Ellison's license to drive an automobile has been suspended multiple times for failure to pay tickets and fines. When asked in 2006 how many times his license has been suspended, he said, "I don't know how many prior suspensions I've had; I don't keep count."[77]

Ellison also failed to pay all or part of his income taxes in five separate years between 1992 and 2000, forcing the state and Internal Revenue Service to put liens on his home. He later paid in excess of $18,000.[94][2]

CNN interview with Glenn Beck

On November 14, 2006, Glenn Beck of CNN Headline News[95] asked Ellison to, "prove to me that you are not working with our enemies," saying, "And I know you're not. I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way." Ellison replied that his constituents, "know that I have a deep love and affection for my country. There's no one who's more patriotic than I am, and so you know, I don't need to — need to prove my patriotic stripes."

When asked by Beck about his opinion on “Muslim extremists” Ellison replied, “They're criminals. But I think that people who commit criminal acts should be treated like criminals, regardless of their faith.”[95] Ellison has also said, "Osama bin Laden no more represents Islam than Timothy McVeigh represented Christianity."[96] (McVeigh had links to the Christian Identity commune in Elohim City, Oklahoma.[97])

Asked about the incident later, Ellison dismissed it, "It's just shock TV. Some pundits think they have to ask the most outrageous questions."[98] On January 2, 2007, Beck said on his radio program that Ellison did not take offense at the comments and the two had a friendly chat off the air. On January 9, 2007, at the Television Critics Association's semiannual press tour, Beck spoke with contrition about asking Ellison to “prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.” He said it was "Quite possibly the poorest-worded question of all time. That might come from my lack of intelligence."[99]

Quran Oath Controversy of the 110th United States Congress

Main article: Qur'an oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress

Because Ellison stated an intent to use the Quran instead of a Bible at his photo-op reenactment of the swearing in ceremony (the official ceremony is done en masse without any books), Conservative columnist Dennis Prager wrote a column criticizing him.[100] This drew responses from organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), The American Family Association, and The Anti-Defamation League.

Fifth-term Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA), responding to "scores and hundreds of emails"[101] from his constituents after the Prager articles, has also stated his view that Ellison's decision to use the Quran is a threat to "the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America".[102] He also wrote, "...if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran."

CNN reported that on the January 4, 2007 (the opening day of Congress), Ellison met Goode on the House floor to shake hands and Goode accepted an offer to talk over coffee.[103]

That same day during his oath reenactment Ellison used a two volume Quran published in London in 1764 that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson[104] and loaned to Ellison by "the rare book and special collections division at the Library of Congress".[105] According to Ellison, "It demonstrates that from the very beginning of our country, we had people who were visionary, who were religiously tolerant, who believed that knowledge and wisdom could be gleaned from any number of sources, including the Quran."[106] Historian Kevin J. Hayes in his book “How Thomas Jefferson Read the Qur’an” explains that Jefferson purchased the book in 1765 while studying for the bar exam to become a lawyer (when he began questioning British Common Law after the Stamp Act Crisis).[107]

Comments: Reichstag fire and 9/11

On July 8, 2007 Ellison discussed the power of the executive branch in the US currently in a speech before the organization Atheists for Human Rights. He stated that Cheney asserts it is "beneath his dignity in order for him to answer any questions from the citizens of the United States. That is the very definition of totalitarianism, authoritarianism and dictatorship."[108] He went on to say, "It's almost like the Reichstag fire, kind of reminds me of that. After the Reichstag was burned, they blamed the Communists for it and it put the leader of that country [Hitler] in a position where he could basically have authority to do whatever he wanted. The fact is that I'm not saying [Sept. 11] was a [U.S.] plan, or anything like that because, you know, that's how they put you in the nut-ball box -- dismiss you."[108]

Fox News picked up the story[109] and their commentator John Gibson categorized Ellison's comments as accusing "Bush of planning and executing the 9/11 attacks".[110] In the Congress Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Zach Wamp (R-TN) wrote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding she "swiftly and immediately" reprimand Ellsion for his remarks.[111] The letter said "Even if Ellison asserts that he was not implying that 9/11 was orchestrated by the administration, the comparison he draws between Hitler and the president of United States is disgraceful. These comments inflame hatred and division at a time when we should be promoting our unity and reconciliation."[112][111] The Anti-Defamation League also stated "Whatever his views may be on the administration's response to 9/11 and the conduct of the war on terrorism, likening it to Hitler's rise to power and Nazism is odious and demeans the victims of 9/11 and the brave American men and women engaged in the war on terror. Furthermore, it demonstrates a profound lack of understanding about the horrors that Hitler and his Nazi regime perpetrated."[111]

When later questioned about his comments, Ellision told a reporter that Osama bin Laden, and not the Bush administration, was responsible for the attacks.[113] Ellison also said, "In the aftermath of a tragedy, space is opened up for governments to take action that they could not have achieved before that." He pointed to the Iraq War and provisions granting greater arrest and surveillance powers within the USA PATRIOT Act as examples.[114] Ellison also "In response to a question, I stated that the Bush Administration exploited post-9/11 fears to advance a policy agenda that has undermined our civil liberties. I stand by this statement. ...I want to be clear that the murderous Nazi regime is historically distinct and the horror of the Holocaust must be acknowledged as a unique event in human history. I did not intend any direct comparison between the totalitarian state of Nazi Germany and the current administration. I have taken consistent and strong stands against Holocaust denial throughout my life in public service."[111]

Sali remarks

Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) drew criticism for his comments in an August 8, 2007 interview with the conservative Christian-based American Family News Network. Sali an outspoken Evangelical Christian denounced the Senate leadership for allowing a Hindu to lead the opening prayer. He held that invoking a non-Christian god in the Senate threatened to endanger America by removing "the protective hand of God."[115] He then went on to say "We have not only a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate, we have a Muslim member of the House of Representatives now, Keith Ellison from Minnesota. Those are changes and they are not what was envisioned by the Founding Fathers. The principles that this country was built on, that have made it great over these centuries, were Christian principles derived from Scripture. You know the Lord can make the rain fall on the just and the unjust alike." Former Idaho Democratic congressman Richard Stallings, among others, demanded that Sali either apologize or resign. In response Sali sent Ellison an e-mail saying he "meant no offense."[116] At the time Ellison was in Iraq with a congressional delegation, his spokesperson said "The congressman just doesn't respond to comments like that."[117] Sali stressed to reporters that he was not calling for Ellison to be removed, "He got elected the same way I did. People certainly have the right to elect anyone they want."[117] Sali defended his claim about America's founding principles saying "The idea that somehow we can move to multi-culturalism and still remain the same — I think that's a little dangerous, too. From my standpoint, I believe the Founding Fathers were overwhelmingly Christian and the God they were talking about is the God of the Bible."[117] When asked about his policy discussions with those of other faiths he stated, "I would say, 'These are principles that I think are important,' and if he agrees with those, great. At the end of the game, maybe it does get down to religious beliefs and how they impact how you make public policy."[117] It has been noted in a New York Sun editorial that claims dogging Ellison that the Founders of the US did not anticipate Muslim Legislators are factually incorrect.[118] The specific subject was brought up in many of the State conventions to ratify the Constitution, including remarks by William Lancaster in the North Carolina Ratifying Convention in 1788.[118][119]

New York Daily News & SITE Institute

After the 2006 election, the New York Daily News published an article describing comments participants in Jihadist chat rooms made about Ellison and his election victory. The News based their article on a report from the SITE Institute, a non-profit organization that monitors chat rooms frequented by terrorist supporters and sympathizers.[120][121] According to the Daily News, messages were found in two jihadi chat rooms, including Al-Hesbah, which is "solidly tied to Al Qaeda Central, Bin Laden's network," and where many "Al Qaeda communiques" were first released. Participants in chat rooms called Ellison, "the first Jewish Muslim that goes to Congress", a "fool" trying to "deceive us," and "one of them, [a] one-way ticket to Hell." Another characterized the election as "a comedy". One said, "My God, if you have 1 billion Muslims like him, we shall [continue to] fight you as the Muslim fights the infidel." Ellison’s campaign “spokeswoman Bridget Cusick was not surprised by the negative comments in militant chat rooms, 'Why would Al Qaeda embrace Keith's success? He's the opposite of what they're about.'"[122]

Trailblazer Award

Ellison was chosen by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee for its Trailblazer Award. The group said Ellison “has established a career of advocacy focused on promoting civil and human rights, peace, and prosperity for working families.”[123]

Electoral history

  • 2006 Race for U.S. House of Representatives — Minnesota 5th District[124]
Name Votes Percent
Keith Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) 136,060   55.6%
Alan Fine (Republican)   52,263   21.3%
Tammy Lee (Independence)   51,456   21.0%
Jay Pond (Green)     4,792     2.0%
  • 2006 Race for U.S. House of Representatives — Minnesota 5th District (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Primary)[125]
Name Votes Percent
Keith Ellison 29,003  41.21%
Mike Erlandson 21,857  31.06%
Ember Reichgott Junge 14,454  20.54%
Paul Ostrow   3,795    5.39%
Andrew Vincent Favorite     470    0.67%
Gregg A. Iverson     448    0.64%
Patrick J. Wiles     347    0.49%
  • 2004 Race for Minnesota House of Representatives — District 58B[126]
Name Votes Percent
Keith Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) 10,796  84.1%
Jay Cyril Mastrud (Republican)   1,988  15.5%
  • 2002 Race for Minnesota House of Representatives — District 58B[127]
Name Votes Percent
Keith M. Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) 5,714  66.54%
Larissa Presho (Republican) 1,212  14.11%
Duane K. Reed (Independent)    726    8.45%
Bonnie Jean Smith (Green)    480    5.59%
J. Thomas Lijewski (Independence)    440    5.12%

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  79. ^ "Bombshell": American Jewish World endorses Ellison, Sep 01, 2006, 3:18 PM CDT, Paul Schmelzer, Minnesota Monitor
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  83. ^ Rochelle, Olson (2006-10-11). "Lee posts photo with Sabo; Fine ad attacks Ellison". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2006-11-04. At the same time, Republican Alan Fine on Thursday pressed on with attacks against Ellison, sending a mailing to 100,000 voters criticizing Ellison for accepting campaign contributions from leaders of the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
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  89. ^ Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board Findings of Fact
  90. ^ Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board Conciliation Agreement
  91. ^ Compilation of Board Minutes in which Ellison was fined
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  100. ^ Dennis Prager (November 28, 2006). "America, Not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on".Retrieved on Dec. 4, 2006
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  104. ^ Frommer, Frederic J. (2007-01-04). "Ellison Uses Thomas Jefferson's Quran". Retrieved 2007-01-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publiser= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  105. ^ "But It's Thomas Jefferson's Koran!". The Washington Post. January 3, 2007. p. C03. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help) Retrieved on Jan. 3, 2007
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  107. ^ Hayes, Kevin J. "How Thomas Jefferson Read the Qur'an". Early American Literature — Volume 39, Number 2, 2004, pp. 247–261 The University of North Carolina Press. an abstract can be read at this link
  108. ^ a b Bush like Hitler, says first Muslim in Congress,
  109. ^ Brit Hume (July 12, 2007). "Wait Until You Hear Who's Comparing the Bush Administration to Nazi Germany".
  110. ^ John Gibson (July 16, 2007). "What I Think About Rep. Keith Ellison Comparing Bush to Hitler".
  111. ^ a b c d Jake Sherman (July 17, 2007). "Ellison's remarks draw fresh complaints". StarTribune.
  112. ^ Jackie Kucinich (July 18, 2007). "Reps. Cantor, Wamp blast Ellison for 9/11 comments". The Hill.
  113. ^ Kersten, Katherine (2007-07-12). "Ellison's use of Reichstag fire goes overboard". Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN).
  114. ^ "Ellison cites Reichstag burning in attacking Bush policies". 07/13/2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  115. ^ Jim Brown (August 8, 2007). "Idaho congressman disturbed by Hindu prayer in Senate, election of Muslim to House". OneNewsNow.com.
  116. ^ Todd Dvorak (August 18, 2007). "Lawmaker Apologizes for Muslim Remarks". Associated Press.
  117. ^ a b c d Gregory Hahn (08/10/07). "Sali clarifies his stance on Muslim congressman". Idaho Statesman. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  118. ^ a b "Binding Ellison". New York Sun Editorial. December 6, 2006.
  119. ^ "Debate in North Carolina Ratifying Convention; 30 July 1788".
  120. ^ "SITE Institute". The Search For International Terrorist Entities Institute. Retrieved on Dec. 18, 2006
  121. ^ "mission". The Search For International Terrorist Entities Institute. Retrieved on Dec. 18, 2006
  122. ^ James Gordon Meek (November 12, 2006). "Jihadists trash Muslim U.S. rep". New York Daily News. Retrieved on Dec. 9, 2006
  123. ^ Niraj Warikoo (May 17, 2007). "Arab-American group to award Rep. Keith Ellison".
  124. ^ "Election results: Minnesota: U.S. House District 5". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved on Dec. 21, 2006
  125. ^ "Unofficial Results Primary". Minnesota Secretary of State. 12-25-2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)Retrieved on Dec. 25, 2006
  126. ^ "Election results: Minnesota: State Legislative". Minnesota Public Radio. 2004. Retrieved on Dec. 16, 2006
  127. ^ "2002 General Election Results – Minnesota Secretary of State". 5/23/03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Retrieved on Dec. 14, 2006
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Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Minnesota's 5th congressional district
2007–present 		Succeeded by
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