US Muslim representative back in Congress for the 5th term in a row

Rasa - US Muslim representative Keith Ellison has reserved his seat in the Congress for Minnesota 5th District for the fifth term in a row, after winning more than 70 percent of the vote.

News ID: 1566

Date: 06 November 2014 - 16:35

RNA - “I want to let you all know how proud I am to be a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. ... The best thing we got going is our unity,” Ellison was quoted by Minnesota Daily on Wednesday, November 5.

The Muslim congressman urged voters to vote for other Democrats in November 4 midterm election.

“If all I do is win, I haven’t done much at all,” he said.

“So voter turnout is what it’s all about to us.”

Ellison defeated Republican businessman Doug Daggett and Independence Party candidate Lee Bauer, a machinist.

After the vote, Daggett said although the district historically votes for the Democratic Party, he remained true to his principles during the election.

“It’s an honor to get out there and stand for what I’m confident is in the district’s long-term best interest,” he said.

Daggett, a Carlson School of Management graduate, said the campaign had gone well overall, in his first time running for a political office.

“It’s a great honor to stand up and fight for the people of the 5th Congressional District,” he said.

“No matter what election results say, we can hold our head high knowing we stood up.”

Ellison entered Congress in 2006 as a Democrat opposed to the Iraq War.

He was the first US Congressman to take oath of office with his hand upon the Quran, an act that sparked controversy among American media pundits and politicians.

Away from Ellison’s huge victory, American voters punished the Democrats heavily, giving Republicans seven seats from Senate Democrats to claim total congressional control for the first time since 2006.

Republican Senate candidates picked up Democratic seats in Montana, Colorado, West Virginia, South Dakota and Arkansas – giving them five out of the six gains they need to control the 100-member chamber.

The outcome of the elections suggested Obama would face a tougher final two years in office, complicated by greater Republican power and influence in Washington.

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