USA - MINNESOTA & FLORIDA: ELLISON, MOSLEM CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE

Islamic organization to host Florida fundraiser for Ellison

State Rep. Keith Ellison is going to Florida on a two-day, five-event fundraising tour including a party hosted by the state's director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group that has become a flash point in the campaign to succeed Rep. Martin Sabo in the U.S. House.

Altaf Ali, CAIR's executive director in Florida, and Saif Ishoof are listed as the hosts for an event with a suggested donation of $100. It is scheduled for Saturday and will be at the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Republican Alan Fine has criticized DFLer Ellison for taking money from members of CAIR, including national director Nihad Awad.

The invitation says Ellison is right on several issues: Bringing troops home from Iraq, ending torture, single-payer universal health care, clean energy, civil liberties and rights.

The notice also mentions that Ellison would be the first black person from Minnesota and the first Muslim nationally elected to Congress.

"The country is growing more diverse, Congress should reflect that diversity," the invitation says.

...

This story adds to the following:

Democrat Could Be 1st Muslim Congressman (hat tip: R)
By MARTIGA LOHN

and

American Muslims Rally Around Congressional Candidate Ellison
Frederic J. Frommer


Pertinent Links:

1) Islamic organization to host Florida fundraiser for Ellison