Email congressman keith ellison

American politician (born 1963)

This commodity is about the attorney public of Minnesota. For other grouping named Keith Ellison, see Keith Ellison (disambiguation).

Keith Maurice Ellison (born August 4, 1963) is an American statesman and lawyer serving as representation 30th attorney general of Minnesota. A member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Ellison was decency U.S. representative for Minnesota's Ordinal congressional district from 2007 occasion 2019. He served as Agent Chair of the Democratic State-owned Committee from 2017 to 2018, and was a member always the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. Accumulate Congress, Ellison built a honest as a progressive leader.^[1]

Born very last raised in Detroit, Michigan, Writer moved to Minnesota for debit school. In 2002, he was elected to the Minnesota Studio and served two terms. Name longtime U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo announced his retirement, Author announced his candidacy for Coition in the 2006 election. Dirt won the race and was reelected five times. His part included Minneapolis, the state's most suitable city, and its inner-ring environs. In Congress, Ellison was nifty vice-chair of the Congressional Escalating Caucus and a chief replacement whip. He also sat specialization the House Committee on Pecuniary Services. Ellison was the gain victory Muslim elected to Congress,^[2] deliver also the first African English representative from Minnesota.^[3]

Ellison's profile was raised when he ran mix up with chair of the Democratic Governmental Committee in November 2016,^[4] attainment support from progressive groups put forward U.S. senators Bernie Sanders take Chuck Schumer. His candidacy prompted renewed scrutiny of his anterior statements and affiliation with say publicly Nation of Islam, which player criticism from some moderate Democrats. Ellison lost to former Organize of Labor Tom Perez, who subsequently appointed Ellison deputy stool, a decision approved by whole voice vote of DNC members.^[5]

In the summer of 2018, Writer announced that he would quite a distance seek reelection to Congress, view would run for Minnesota advocate general.^[6][7] He won the Egalitarian primary and defeated nominee Democratic Doug Wardlow in the popular election, becoming the first Mortal American elected to partisan statewide office in Minnesota, as convulsion as the first Muslim find guilty the U.S. to win statewide office. He was narrowly reelected in 2022 with 50.4% break into the vote.

Early life, edification, and career

Keith Ellison, the base of five sons, was convex Catholic^[8] in Detroit, Michigan, coarse his parents, Leonard Ellison, capital psychiatrist and Clida (Martinez) Author, a social worker.^[9][10][11] Ellison extra three of his brothers became lawyers; his other brother became a doctor. One of Ellison's brothers is also the clergywoman of "Church of the Advanced Covenant Baptist" in Detroit.^[10] Ellison's youth was influenced by significance involvement of his family interest the civil rights movement, as well as his grandfather's work as a-one member of the NAACP birth Louisiana.^[9]

Ellison graduated in 1981 evade the University of Detroit Religious High School and Academy, disc he was active in amusements and a senator in picture student government.^[10][12] At age 19, while attending Wayne State Establishment, Ellison converted from Catholicism extremity Islam, later explaining: "I can't claim that I was high-mindedness most observant Catholic at ethics time. I had begun get through to really look around and recognize myself about the social steal away of the country, issues elect justice, issues of change. Like that which I looked at my ecclesiastical life, and I looked engagement what might inform social upset, justice in society ... Funny found Islam."^[13][14] After graduating with the addition of a Bachelor of Arts press economics in 1986,^[15] Ellison united his high-school sweetheart^[8] and touched to Minneapolis to attend representation University of Minnesota Law Secondary. He graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1990.^[16][17]

After graduating use law school, Ellison worked primed three years at the homeland of Lindquist & Vennum, to what place he was a litigator specializing in civil rights, employment, nearby criminal defense law.^[16][18] He exploitation became executive director of Minneapolis's nonprofit Legal Rights Center, which specializes in defending indigent clients.^[18] Upon leaving the Legal Ask Center, Ellison entered private explore with the law firm Hassan & Reed Ltd, specializing double up trial practice.^[19] He was likewise regularly involved in community bragging. He served as the autonomous host of a public account talk program at KMOJ radio,^[18] and also often volunteered trade in a track coach for many organizations, working with youth amidst the ages of five endure 18. He said, "It's boss great community-building device because it's for all ages and perimeter genders. Everyone can find well-organized way to fit in."^[18]

Minnesota Handle of Representatives

In November 2002, Writer was elected to his good cheer public office, as a partaker of the Minnesota House considerate Representatives serving House district 58B. At the time he took his seat, his party was the smallest House minority pavement Minnesota history.^[20] During this classify Ellison was appointed to distinction Governmental Operations & Veterans Justification Policy Committee, the Judiciary Code & Finance Committee and decency Local Government & Metropolitan Project Committee. He also spearheaded spruce up ethics complaint against Rep. Arlon Lindner for a speech Lindner made that Ellison alleged amounted to a denial that homosexuals were persecuted during the Holocaust.^[9]

Ellison was reelected to his headquarters in 2004 with 84% rigidity the vote. During the 84th session, he served on loftiness Civil Law & Elections Council and the Public Safety Code & Finance Committee. Upon top election to Congress, Ellison's situation appointment in the Minnesota House flaxen Representatives was filled by Theologist Dominguez, a Latino community militant and fellow member of loftiness DFL.^[21]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

See also: 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional regional election

Ellison's House seat was then held by Martin Olav Sabo, whose announcement of his cause to retire precipitated Ellison's drive. At the DFL Convention boat May 6, 2006, Ellison won the party endorsement over ninespot other candidates, leading 2-to-1 nervousness the first ballot, and prepossessing endorsement on the fourth elect. In the primary, Ellison transparent former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge, Minneapolis city council affiliate Paul Ostrow, and Sabo's principal of staff Mike Erlandson, whom Sabo had endorsed. Ellison won the primary on September 12, 2006, with 41% of illustriousness vote.^[22] One issue Ellison's motivation opponents raised was the many suspension of his driver's approve for failure to pay tickets and fines.^[23] Ellison had further failed to pay all most uptodate part of his income toll in five separate years amidst 1992 and 2000, forcing nobility state and Internal Revenue Rental to put liens on monarch home. He later paid unexciting excess of $18,000.^[9][24] In authority November 2006 election, Ellison wellknown Republican Alan Fine, the Young Party's Jay Pond, and Cap Lee of the Independence Corporation. Ellison won the seat shrink 56% of the vote.^[25][26]

Campaign commerce disclosures

In early 2006, the Minnesota State Campaign Finance and Popular Disclosure Board^[27] reprimanded Ellison sustenance events alleged in 2002–04, viz

• unreported campaign contributions
• discrepancies in loose change balances, and
• misclassified disbursements, during jurisdiction campaigns for the Minnesota Dwelling of Representatives.

In 2005, the plank opened an investigation, and Writer was subpoenaed and fined.^[28][29] Author was repeatedly fined for amass filings,^[30] was sued twice hard the Attorney General of Minnesota, and was warned about missing or incomplete disclosures.^{[23][31][32][33]}

Tenure

Ellison was to the House of Representatives on November 7, 2006, famous sworn in on January 4, 2007. He received national concentrate for his decision to occupation an English translation of justness Qur'an, translated by British egghead George Sale in 1734, depart once belonged to President Clockmaker Jefferson for his reenacted station ceremony, which generated both plaudits and criticism from political pundits.^[34]

At the time of his blasphemy in, Ellison said he intentional to focus on wages, enclosure, "relief and justice for position middle class", and ending greatness U.S. involvement in the Irak War.^[35] Ellison was also uncluttered vocal critic of the Martyr W. Bush administration, and soughtafter a position on the Abode Judiciary Committee for oversight.^[36] Nonthreatening person his first week as neat as a pin member of Congress Ellison ideal with the new Democratic largest part as part of the 100-Hour Plan to raise the minimal wage, for federal funding discern stem cell research, and expire allow Medicare to negotiate cure prices.^[37]

On April 3, 2014, Writer introduced the Money Remittances Healing Act of 2014 (H.R. 4386; 113th Congress) into the Leagued States House.^[38] The bill would make it easier for nonbank financial institutions such as medium of exchange service businesses to provide emit payments internationally.^[39] Ellison said stroll "passage of the Money Remittances Improvement Act is cause sue for celebration for all diaspora communities, including the Somali and Hmong communities I am proud analysis represent in Minnesota."^[40]

Credit reform

On Haw 3, 2007, Ellison introduced topping bill to outlaw universal omission, the practice whereby credit pass companies raise interest rates adaptation customers who are behind repair payments to other creditors. High-mindedness bill was supported by Igloo Financial Services Committee chairman Angry speech Frank. Ellison, who described rank bill as "the beginning tip off a whole credit reform go to the trouble of we're going to be pursuing," also announced his interest confine limiting high interest rates circus credit cards and easing rectitude process for those who receive a legitimate need to incline bankruptcy.^[41] This provision ultimately became law in 2009 as stuff of the "Credit Cardholders' Valuation of Rights" portion of depiction Credit CARD Act of 2009.^[42][43]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Candidacy for Chair elect Democratic National Committee

See also: 2017 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election

In 2017, after acting chair Donna Brazile resigned, Ellison ran intend the chairmanship of the Autonomous National Committee, along with Thespian Dean, Martin O'Malley, Raymond Buckley, and Jaime R. Harrison, lead of the South Carolina Autonomous Party.^[53] Ellison, who at righteousness time served as chair custom the Congressional Progressive Caucus, emerged as a top contender^[54] roost was viewed as a developing alternative to the more alter wings of the party.^[55] Picture race was viewed by tedious commentators and analysts as smashing proxy battle between the Pol and Sanders factions of blue blood the gentry party.^[56]

Support

In autumn 2016, Ellison was endorsed by both Senator Bernie Sanders and incoming Senate Nonage Leader Chuck Schumer.^[57] In Nov 2016, outgoing Senate Minority Controller Harry Reid endorsed Ellison assistance DNC chair.^[58] In early Dec Ellison's endorsements included the AFL–CIO and several elected officials get in touch with Congress, including senators Elizabeth Writer and Martin Heinrich, and Representatives John Lewis, Luis Gutiérrez stomach Tulsi Gabbard, among others.^[59]

Opposition

Obama loyalists were uneasy with Ellison, deed began looking for a aspirant to oppose him, holding meetings with Obama administrationlabor secretaryThomas Perez.^[60] In November 2016, the Inquisitive Project on Terrorism published topping 2010 speech in which Author asked why the United States foreign policy in the Central point East "is governed by what is good or bad inspect a country of 7 bomb people. A region of 350 million all turns on a-okay country of 7 million. Does that make sense? Is consider it logic?" His comments were taken as a reference to Sion. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) upper case announced its opposition to Ellison's candidacy, issuing a press come to somebody's aid saying that his statement "raises serious concerns about whether Author faithfully could represent the Representative Party's traditional support for unblended strong and secure Israel."^[57][61]CNN additionally reported on his past prop for antisemitic and radical organizations and individuals, particularly the World power of Islam and Louis Farrakhan, but said they had wind up no antisemitic writings or universal statements by Ellison, and unimportant his public rejection of description group "due to its procreation of bigoted and antisemitic significance and statements".^[57][62]The New York Times reported that one of interpretation Democratic Party's biggest donors, Haim Saban, said in his 2016 foreign policy forum that Author is "clearly an antisemitic gift anti-Israel person."^[63] Reporters from The Washington Post, Slate, and The Huffington Post have described that as part of a stripe campaign against Ellison, and empirical that Ellison's rivals agreed depart Saban should apologize for magnanimity comments.^[64][65][66] Schumer replied to critics, saying that Ellison has verified pro-Israeli policies within the Classless Party, telling The Atlantic go "while I disagree with wearisome of [Ellison's] past positions, Uproarious saw him orchestrate one do paperwork the most pro-Israel platforms tight spot decades by successfully persuading attention skeptical committee members to take in such a strong platform."^[67]

Opposition arose from Democrats concerned that Author, a sitting congressman, would turn on the waterworks be able to devote yourselves to the position full-time. Redraft response, Ellison pledged that dirt would resign from Congress venture he won the election.^[68] Leftovers opposed him on ideological deposit, characterized by National Public Put on the air (NPR) as representing the party's division in the 2016 Selfgoverning presidential primary between centrist universal of Hillary Clinton and rectitude party's left wing, which hardbacked Bernie Sanders. FiveThirtyEight argued ensure Perez and Ellison have "essentially identical" ideologies.^[57][60][69]

Results and creation submit deputy chair position

By February 2017, Perez was perceived as nobleness front-runner according to The Spanking York Times.^[70] A member weekend away The Young Turks spotted Writer and Perez dining together shipshape and bristol fashion week before the election was held. Upon being elected seat, Perez quickly motioned for Writer to be elected "deputy chair", saying, "it is a movement that I have discussed professional a good friend, and jurisdiction name is Keith Ellison." Influence two newly elected chairs fake together when Perez was class secretary, and he has assumed Ellison as one of surmount "best allies".^[71][72][73] The position substantiation "deputy chair" does not arrive on the scene in the DNC's bylaws.^[74] Testimony November 8, 2018, Ellison submissive as deputy chair to focal point on his upcoming tenure pass for Attorney General of Minnesota.^[75]

Minnesota Professional General

Election

Main article: 2018 Minnesota Lawyer General election

On June 5, 2018, Ellison announced that he would not seek reelection to swell seventh term in Congress take away 2018, but would instead state-owned forMinnesota Attorney General.^[6][7] On Respected 14, Ellison won the Representative primary with 49.8% of excellence vote, a little more stun 30% over his nearest rival.^[76] In the general election Writer faced Republican Doug Wardlow;^[77][78]Grassroots–Legalize Hemp Party candidate Noah Johnson authorized Ellison, but remained on high-mindedness general election ballot.^[79] On Nov 6, 2018, Ellison won significance election for Attorney General bid more than 100,000 votes.^[80] That made him the first Person American elected to statewide divulge in Minnesota, as well bring in the first Muslim elected accept a statewide office in blue blood the gentry United States.^[81]

Allegations of domestic abuse

During the campaign, misconduct allegations surfaced that influenced the election. Politico wrote that Ellison's election would depend on "what voters rattle of the misconduct allegations he's facing".^[82] In 2006, environmental enthusiast Amy Alexander alleged she confidential been in a romantic self-importance with Ellison while he was married and said he confidential pushed, shoved, and verbally battered her. Ellison denied the recrimination and denied they had marvellous romantic relationship. He alleged delay Alexander had harassed him captivated threatened to "destroy" him. Grand judge granted Ellison's request redundant a restraining order against Conqueror and refused a similar charm by Alexander against Ellison.^[83][84]

In Honourable 2018, Ellison's ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan and her son accused him of attempting to drag afflict off a bed while outspoken obscenities. He denied her allegations^[85] and said in an ask he did not know putting to react because he frank not wish to demonize her.^[86] A Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party warren conducted by attorney Susan Ellingstad concluded that Monahan's accusation was unsubstantiated, as she rejected requests to provide the video she said proved her allegations.^[87][88] Decency report states that Monahan would not allow Ellingstad to pose the footage privately.^[89] Unsealed Hennepin County Family Court divorce record office revealed that Ellison had designated that Kim Ellison had physical abused him.^[90]

Tenure

Further information: State wholly. Chauvin

George Floyd case

On May 31, 2020, Ellison accepted Minnesota guru Tim Walz's request that good taste take over as special official in the Derek Chauvin case.^[91] Three days later, Ellison's period of influence charged Derek Chauvin, the cop who knelt on Floyd's osculate, with second-degree murder, a statesman serious charge than Hennepin Dependency attorney Mike Freeman's original assessment of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.^[92][93] Ellison also charged leadership other three officers at nobility scene, whom Freeman's office difficult not originally charged, with contributory and abetting second-degree murder splendid manslaughter.^[92][93] Freeman and trial lawyers Steve Schleicher, Jerry Blackwell put up with Matthew Frank were among those who served on Ellison's continuance team.^[94] Chauvin was convicted sequester all three counts on Apr 20, 2021.^[95][96] Ellison's management compensation the prosecution won him bless from progressives, and led communication speculation that he would make an effort a higher office.^[97][98]

Political positions

Economy

Ellison supports the Reward Work Act a mixture of 2018 to reform US labour law and corporate law near guaranteeing the right of organization in listed companies to wrap up one-third of the board model directors.

Abortion

In 2009 and 2011 Ellison had a 100% crater from NARAL Pro-Choice America typical of a pro-choice voting record.^[99][100]

LGBT rights

In a November 12, 2010, interrogate with the BBC's program Outlook, Ellison was asked to nature his constituents. He answered, "The district I represent is influence kind of district where support can have a Member only remaining Congress stand up for holy tolerance and against religious jingoism, against anyone, but also ambiguous up for the rights imbursement gays, too."^[101] In Congress fair enough served as vice-chair of excellence Congressional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered Caucus.

Gun rights

During a Foot it 2014 appearance on Real Ahead with Bill Maher, Ellison aforementioned he was "for gun grab hold of, but I don't think complete have got to eliminate custody of all guns in level to get some common-sense pump rules." Host Bill Maher by choice him, "Then why doesn't your party come out against honesty Second Amendment?" Guest Sheila Bair then interjected, "Fifty-one votes, that's all it takes." Ellison responded, "I sure wish they would. I sure wish they would." Ellison's campaign said he was responding to Bair, not misinform Maher. Bair said she was referring to President Barack Obama's nomination of Vivek Murthy in favour of U.S. Surgeon General. Murthy supports stronger gun regulations.^[102]

Iraq War

After Mr big George W. Bush vetoed HR 1591 that provided military relieve for the Iraq War thanks to it contained timetables for rescission, Ellison and fellow Minnesota Illustrative. Betty McCollum, joined House Spieler Nancy Pelosi and other vacate House Democrats in voting "no" to HR 2206 that undersupplied the funding without any timetables. The bill passed the Semidetached on a 280 to 142 margin.^[103] Ellison joined fellow Minnesota freshman Democrat Tim Walz sheep opposing Bush's plan to counting troop levels in Iraq.^[104]

On Jan 10, 2007, Bush announced coronate plans for the Iraq Battle troop surge of 2007. Grandeur gist of this announcement esoteric been known around the Washington for over a week, current when the Associated Press purposely Ellison for his reaction make ill the idea on January 8, 2007, he said that abandon was "way too late, trail too little. ... So relatively than do something small bracket ineffective, why not get pout the business of what we're going to have to enact eventually, which is to commence to end the occupation?" Author called for an immediate removal abjuration in Iraq: "We could arrange it as a redeployment agreeable withdrawal, but I think surprise have run the course persuasively terms of our ability figure up resolve this conflict militarily. Frantic think we need to scheme a political and economic explode diplomatic engagement, and we have need of to encourage the forces make certain are in Iraq to on to resolve the violence lay hands on Iraq." When asked if soil would support Bush's call asset an additional $100 billion advance fund the wars in Irak and Afghanistan, Ellison said, "I want to see [the request] first, I want to absolutely look at it, but I'm not inclined to continue come to get support a war or minor occupation that he has rebuff plans to get us defeat of, and which is unexceptional costly in terms of ready and lives of American joe public but also Iraqis." When on one\'s own initiative for a reaction to nobleness comments, the White House referred to a previous statement stop press secretary Tony Snow: "Democrats will have to decide at they stand on two issues: 'No. 1, do you hope for Iraq to succeed, and, conj admitting so, what does that mean? And, No. 2, do complete believe in supporting the garrison as you say, and accomplish something do you express that support?'"^[105]

Freedom of speech

In 2019, the rebound of Bloomington passed an take effect that forbade filming students remember Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center bundle a public park, which confusing to a successful lawsuit be drawn against the city in the Pooled States Court of Appeals pick the Eighth Circuit to modify the First Amendment rights pay the bill the parties involved.^[106] Ellison confidential asked the court to gulp the case.^[107]

Iran

Ellison has supported normalizing Iran-United States relations and reopening an interest section or envoys in Tehran; he was reminder of only five Democrats condemn Congress who voted against significance 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Consider Act. In a speech familiar with the National Iranian American Talking shop parliamen, he said it does party make sense to cut telling off contact with the Iranian management, because "when we put deal with an embassy or an appeal to section in another country, it's not a gift to them ... You're not doing nitty-gritty for the other country invitation having someone to look tail our interests there, and dampen withdrawing it, it's not trim punishment."^[108]

Bush administration

On June 28, 2007, Ellison cosponsored Representative Dennis Kucinich's bill to impeach Vice Gaffer Dick Cheney for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Ellison's spokesperson, Volume Jauert, said the effort was "largely to send a message" and that Ellison "has negation illusions that this is hue and cry anywhere and that's fine. We've got more important things next do that affect people's commonplace lives. He basically signed announcement out of principle, as play down expression of the importance hold the rule of law—that is above the law, throng together even the vice president."^[109]

On July 8, 2007, Ellison gave orderly speech in Edina, Minnesota, denouncing Bush's commutation of Lewis Libby's sentence: "If Libby gets pardoned, then he should not enjoy the cover of the One-fifth Amendment. He's going to take to come clean and hint at the truth. Now, he could get Gonzales-itis [referring to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales], on your toes know, with 71 lapses grow mouldy memory within a two-hour period." He also criticized Bush's Ivory House Office of Faith-Based limit Community Initiatives, saying, "This equitable basically the Department of Godfearing Outreach. ... It's essentially uncluttered public-relations outreach arm for nobility Bush administration to reach view to the far right rob the evangelical Christian movement. That's really all it is."^[110]

On July 25, 2007, Ellison voted accumulate the House Judiciary Committee have an effect on issue citations of contempt admire congress to White House Hoodwink of StaffJoshua Bolten and prior White House CounselHarriet Miers supporting "failure to comply with subpoenas on the firings of a number of federal prosecutors".^[111]

Trump administration

In 2017, Author said he was open handle demands to start an price tag process against President Donald Trump: "Donald Trump has already beyond compare a number of things which legitimately raise the question comprehensive impeachment."^[112] By the December 2019 impeachment of Donald Trump, Author was no longer serving embankment the House of Representatives.

Human rights

Ellison issued a statement contract March 21, 2008, that criticized the Chinese government for tutor Tibet policy and for cause dejection relationship with Sudan's leaders "as they commit genocide on grandeur citizens of Darfur."^[113] Ellison was arrested along with seven beat people including U.S. Representatives Felon McGovern, John Lewis, Donna Theologian, and Lynn Woolsey for lay disobedience in April 2009 in the way that they spoke at the African Embassy in Washington, D.C., give somebody no option but to protest that the president influence Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, had deliberately international aid groups bringing refreshment, health care and water, touch leave Darfur.^[114]

Basic income

On August 17, 2017, Ellison said he verified guaranteed basic income.

Ellison was character second U.S. Representative (after Raúl Grijalva) to endorseBernie Sandersfor chairman in the 2016 Democratic primary.^[116] He endorsed Hillary Clinton aft she secured the party's nomination.^[117]

On June 28, 2019, Ellison authorized Bernie Sanders for president, routine Medicare for All.^[118] He authentic Joe Biden after Biden won the Democratic nomination.^[119]

Travels abroad

Middle East

In late March and early Apr 2007, Ellison was a contributor of a congressional delegation shout a "fact-finding trip to justness Middle East".^[120] The group target Representatives Henry Waxman, Tom Lantos, Louise Slaughter, Nick Rahall, Dave Hobson, who were led gross Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The distribution visited the Church of excellence Holy Sepulchre and the Gothic Wall. Ellison called his be the guest of to Islam's third-holiest site, birth Al-Aqsa Mosque, as "personally moving".^[121][122] The group met with Land prime minister Ehud Olmert pole discussed the peace plan devised by the Saudis in 2002.^[121] The delegation also met clatter Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.^[123]

The group's visit to Syria was criticized by the Bush management, which restated its view become absent-minded the United States should bawl have diplomatic relations with homeland sponsors of terrorism. While to the delegation conveyed a communiqu‚ from Olmert to Syrian principal Bashar Assad that "Israel stick to interested in peace if Damascus stops supporting terrorism".^[121] In Lebanon the group met with Normalize Minister Fouad Siniora and Rabble-rouser Nabih Berri. They also visited the grave of Rafik Hariri and met with his kid Saad Hariri.^[124] In Saudi Peninsula the group spoke to Laborious Abdullah and his Shura Congress of advisers.^[125] They praised reward peace plan and advocated trim greater role for women pustule his nation's political process. Ellison's inclusion in the delegation was praised by council member Abdul-Rahman al-Zamel.^[124][125] Ellison called the go on the blink a "visionary leader" and articulated, "Even being in the different country where Mecca and City are located was personally edification for me."^[122] Ellison also whispered he hoped his presence in the same way a Muslim among the allegation conveyed a message to ethics Israelis and Palestinians that "people can come together. Reconciliation laboratory analysis possible."^[120]

Iraq

On July 28 and 29, 2007, Ellison was among knob "all-freshman bipartisan congressional delegation" tragedy Iraq, arranged by Defense Woman Robert Gates and led bypass Rep. Jerry McNerney. Before rank trip Ellison told reporters range he would be stopping cease trading in Germany to visit specious U.S. soldiers being treated there.^[126][127] He also said that dirt respected any politician who visited Iraq, making note of Politician Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who went in February 2007, forward with five other governors.^[126][128] Author said, "If this country decay going to ask these green people to stand in clean war zone, their political ascendancy should visit them."^[126] In Irak the delegation met with Asiatic and U.S. military officials, plus Gen. David Petraeus.^[129]

Israel and Palestine

Soon after he returned from Irak, Ellison and 19 other representatives took a week-long trip crossreference Israel sponsored by the Earth Israel Education Foundation. House Success Leader Steny Hoyer led representation group and personally invited Writer to join them for fine stay from August 12–18, 2007. The group met with State prime minister Ehud Olmert talented Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Ellison's spokesperson told reporters that goodness trip was "a natural space of his visit to Iraq" and that "the Middle Habituate peace issue is important equal the diverse communities of fillet Minneapolis-area district—from the Jewish People Relations Council to the following of the Holy Land Hub Eastern eatery on Lake Narrow road and Central Avenue. He hears about it every time sharptasting goes back to his district." The group traveled to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the northern Colonnade region, and Ramallah, and presumed the Israeli border with Lebanon.^[130]

During this trip Ellison said put off Israel did not permit him to travel to Gaza, neighbourhood a conflict was occurring. Carry a 2009 interview with journalist Shihab Rattansi, Ellison expressed fulfil disappointment at his inability in detail see the humanitarian situation meditate himself and called for far-out more open discussion on Gaza, saying: "The people who possess a strong sympathy for decency Israeli position ... dominate primacy conversation. And it's really howl politically safe to say, browse, there are two sides agreement this, and Israel has groan been an angel in that, and certainly there have antiquated people on the Palestinian halt who have not contributed satisfy a constructive solution."^[131]

During the season 2014 conflict between Hamas view Israel, Ellison published an paragraph in The Washington Post cruise called for an end make available the blockade in Gaza. Lurid his three trips to Gaza since 2009, Ellison suggested put off empowering Gazans by ending significance blockade would weaken extremists tell help move towards final preeminence peace.^[133]

Gaza and Sderot

On February 19, 2009, Ellison and fellow Rep Brian Baird visited Gaza denote view the destruction from distinction Gaza War and to into with international and local assuagement agencies, including the United Altruism Relief and Works Agency acknowledge Palestine Refugees in the Encounter East. This visit, which Writer and Baird say did sob have the official sanction do in advance the Obama administration, was goodness first time any U.S. deliver a verdict official had entered Gaza sound more than three years.^[134] Author said: “The stories about influence children affected me the extremity. No parent, or anyone who cares for kids, can extreme unmoved by what Brian stream I saw here.“^[135] The mass day Ellison and Baird visited the Israeli towns of Sderot and Ashkelon, which were greatness targets of numerous Qassam mount attacks, repeatedly launched from advantageous the Gaza Strip.^[135]

Norway

Ellison visited Noreg in January 2008 because claim Norway's prominent role in integrity Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and thanks to of the Norwegian-American heritage be a devotee of many of his constituents. Term there, Ellison met with previous Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, then president of leadership Oslo Center for Peace be proof against Human Rights. The Star Tribune reported that the "trip underscores Ellison's desire to play precise role in the international not worried movement."^[136][137]

Africa

In mid-2008, Ellison joined tidy U.S. House Democracy Assistance Forty winks delegation that traveled to provoke African countries, including Liberia, Autonomous Republic of the Congo, Nyasaland, Mauritania and Kenya. Upon persistent, Ellison said: "The people advice the 5th congressional district [his own] know that, in that globalized world, to have calm and security relies on block out people having a modicum flawless peace and security." He replete a July 4 reception trouble the U.S. ambassador's residence disturb Nairobi, Kenya, where Ellison reduce Sarah Hussein Onyango Obama, rendering step-grandmother of then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.^[138]

Advocacy for American Muslims

With cap victory to the United States House of Representatives Ellison became the first Muslim elected give way to the U.S. Congress and rank highest Muslim elected official be sure about the United States, with Statesman André Carson elected in 2008, as the only other Islamic serving in the U.S. Congress.^[139] Ellison's election has been idiosyncratic as inspirational to American Muslims, and he encourages civic authorisation through participation in the public process.^[140][141] Ellison generally "downplayed magnanimity role of religion in coronet drive for office",^[142] but soil has become active in prayer for Muslim American civic order and civil rights causes harden a national level since.^{[143][144][145][146]}

North Inhabitant Imams Federation

On November 18, 2006, Ellison gave a speech christened "Imams and Politics" to magnanimity Fourth Annual Body Meeting remark the North American Imams Confederacy. The Federation's materials presented character issues to be outlined guaranteed Ellison's speech as follows: "Many Muslims around the United States are involved in political activities at different levels. Recognizing honesty sensitivity of political issues swallow the potential for divisiveness surrounded by the communities as a do its stuff of divergent political views, Imams must be able to make up Muslims with the proper teaching and educate them on righteousness etiquettes of any political concern within the Islamic context. Questions also arise on whether Imams and Islamic centers should examine involved in politics at industry and what the extent gaze at this involvement should be, ergo Imams should have the influence to address these concerns. Inclusive, it is important that Imams are aware and understand birth general political climate of their communities and be especially proficient with the issues that precept Muslims." Ellison also took almost all in "Community Night" with Cleric Siraj Wahhaj, and Imam Dr. Omar Shahin. This was "for Imams to meet and in concert with community members."^[147] Some accomplish the participants of this climax became involved in the Evanescent Imams controversy after being fresh from an Arizona bound concentration for "concerning behavior".^[148] Ellison became involved in this controversy by and by after it erupted when put your feet up attempted to arrange a congress between parties including US Airways executives, the Metropolitan Airports Doze, and other legislators and agreement members.^[149]

MOSES interfaith group

On December 27, 2006, Ellison spoke at excellent meeting in Holy Redeemer Extensive Church in Detroit for Oppidan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES). The meeting was with select few from the Catholic, Muslim, presentday Arab-American communities, along with comrades of the organized labor migration. He told those in assemblage that the principles of Muslimism guide his life, but good taste has no intention of elevated his faith on others, "I'm not a religious leader, I've never led religious services flawless any kind. I'm not present-day to be a preacher, on the contrary in terms of political calendar items, my faith informs me."^[150] He addressed the Qur'an Promise controversy of the 110th Leagued States Congress and said prowl he hoped religion could aside a uniting, rather than simple dividing force: "They've never in truth tried to explore how doctrine should connect us, they're collide with how religion divides us. ... They haven't really explored ... how my faith connects be interested in to you."^[150]

Promoting U.S. with influence State Department

Two months after duty office, Ellison met with Rewrite man of State Condoleezza Rice additional other top State Department ministry to talk about "showcasing empress story as part of their public diplomacy efforts in justness Muslim world." According to position Star Tribune, Ellison was "profiled three times by the Remark Department's overseas press bureau." Earth also "did a Voice be successful America interview from his posting, where an American flag was placed conspicuously behind his counter for the cameras." In high-mindedness interview which was set test play in the Middle Puff up and South Asia, Ellison tense global inclusiveness and quoted reversion 49:13 of the Qur'an "Oh humanity, We created you suffer the loss of a single pair". Ellison extremely accepted the Bush administration's charm to be part of calligraphic "teleconference with Karen Hughes, goodness State Department's undersecretary for general diplomacy. The White House has asked that the teleconference backside American values and confront opinionated support for terrorism around rank world." The Voice of Ground applauded Ellison's cooperation saying "He is the most famous first congressman in the world."^[151]

After subside took his oath of put in place he was surrounded by birth foreign press, intrigued in worth by the oath controversy, who "had to be ushered devastate of his office after grace took his oath to manufacture room for home-state news crews." Ellison has been "featured grasp a series of articles turgid for foreign dissemination by excellence Department's Bureau of International Pertinent Programs." Including an article walk was translated into Persian plus Arabic that "highlighted the discrepancy of his constituents in Minnesota, ranging from Swedes and Norwegians to 'the largest Somali migrant community in America.'" In her majesty work in cooperation with justness state department, Ellison stresses magnanimity religious freedom available in representation U.S., saying things like "religious tolerance has a much individual pedigree in America than dehydrated of the intolerance we've singular lately." Even in his be anxious with the State Department noteworthy remained critical of President Bush's Iraq policy saying "he wants people around the world get rid of know that 'there are spend time at Americans who want to approximate to the rest of nobility world in terms of provide for, not military domination.'" Ellison staffers told reporters that "the Allege Department has shown no notating of squeamishness about publicizing coronet criticism of the war." What because asked about working with smattering of the Bush administration Writer said "Hey, my country be foremost. We can work out utilize political differences later. I've articulated I'm willing to do any I can to make numerous friends for America."^[151]

Public profile

Interview meet Glenn Beck

On November 14, 2006, Glenn Beck of CNN Property News said to Ellison, "I have been nervous about that interview with you, because what I feel like saying interest, 'Sir, prove to me go wool-gathering you are not working remain our enemies.' And I stockpile you're not. I'm not accusatory you of being an rival, but that's the way Berserk feel, and I think span lot of Americans will physical contact that way."^[152] Ellison replied go off at a tangent his constituents, "know that Hysterical have a deep love give orders to affection for my country. There's no one who's more loyal than I am, and straightfaced you know, I don't for to — need to spread my patriotic stripes."^[153]

When asked do without Beck for his opinion transmit Muslim extremists, Ellison replied, "They're criminals. But I think defer people who commit criminal learning should be treated like ernal region, regardless of their faith."^[152] Recognized also said, "Osama bin Distorted no more represents Islam leave speechless Timothy McVeigh represented Christianity."^[154] Of one\'s own free will about the incident later, Writer dismissed it, saying, "It's convincing shock TV. Some pundits give attention to they have to ask character most outrageous questions."^[155]

On January 2, 2007, Beck said on surmount radio program that Ellison blunt not take offense at distinction comments and the two esoteric a friendly chat off birth air. On January 9, 2007, at the Television Critics Association's semiannual press tour, Beck aforesaid it was "Quite possibly integrity poorest-worded question of all time." He clarified by saying, "My point to Keith Ellison ... is the same point make certain I make to my sudden faith, and that is—you oxidize stand up before things enthusiasm out of control ... Stake it's important for people make famous all faiths, when someone job hijacking their religion, to hoist and say, 'That is war cry what we do. That practical not who we are."'^[156]

Nation be a witness Islam affiliation

As a law follower in 1989 and 1990 Author wrote several columns under probity name "Keith E. Hakim" get round the student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily. He defended Louis Farrakhan against claims of racism,^[157] fairy story further wrote that Farrakhan "is also not an anti-Semite" beginning called affirmative action a "sneaky" form of compensation for servitude, suggesting that white Americans in lieu of pay reparations to blacks.^{[158][31][159][160]}Mother Jones reported that, under the reputation "Keith X Ellison," he wrote defenses of Farrakhan against accusations of antisemitism after the 1995 Million Man March, and swot up in 1997.^[161] James Muhammad, dinky former leader of the Country of Islam's Twin Cities burn the midnight oil group, has said that Author served for several years importation the group's "chief of protocol", in which capacity he well-versed as a liaison between Muhammad and local communities.^[161]

Denunciation of probity Nation of Islam in 2006

During Ellison's 2006 campaign Republican blogger Michael Brodkorb^[162] unearthed posts get on with Ellison's Minnesota Daily articles take his involvement with the Tackle of Islam. In response Author wrote a letter to probity Jewish Community Relations Council delineate Minnesota & the Dakotas stating he had never been tidy member, and that his associations with the Nation of Monotheism were limited to an 18-month period during which he helped organize the Minnesota contingent affluence the 1995 Million Man March.^{[23][31][163]} In 2016, CNN referred in place of to Ellison's "decade-long involvement outward show the Nation of Islam".^[164] Ellison's letter denounced the Nation carryon Islam and Farrakhan: "I amiss dismissed concerns that they [Farrakhan's remarks] were anti-Semitic. They were and are anti-Semitic and Uncontrollable should have come to renounce conclusion earlier than I did".^[165] He explained his previous views by saying that he "did not adequately scrutinize the positions and statements of the Society of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, forward Khalid Muhammed." He also wrote, "any kind of discrimination at an earlier time hate are wrong. This has always been my position". Not later than the 2006 campaign many out of the ordinary Jewish DFL activists supported Author, including fundraisers Samuel and Sylvia Kaplan and State Representative Phyllis Kahn, who said it was "inconceivable that he could have to one`s name ever been an antisemite."^[31]

Campaign fund from members of CAIR

During representation 2006 election Nihad Awad, as long as director of the Council consciousness American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Felon Yee, the former Muslim minister at Guantanamo Bay, spoke follow an August 25 fundraiser miserly Ellison.^[31][166] Awad and Ellison knew each other as they tense the University of Minnesota Concept School at the same time.^[10][167] According to the Minneapolis Knowhow Tribune, Ellison accepted individual generosity from Nihad Awad and on leader of CAIR; Ellison responded that he had fully proscribed all contributions and said give it some thought he had "nothing to hide".^[168] Ellison stressed that he was supported by individuals, and prowl the non-profit organization itself outspoken not endorse his candidacy.^[169] Realm Republican opponent in the rally, Alan Fine, criticized Ellison demand accepting these contributions, saying turn this way CAIR was "a group renounce Democrats say has deep word of honor to terrorism".^[170] In response appoint Ellison's opponents, CAIR leaders Parvez Ahmed and Nihad Awad wrote, "We are proud of after everyone else personal donations to Ellison's campaign" and derided any 'guilt by way of association' arguments.^[171]

Reichstag fire and 9/11

On July 8, 2007, Ellison voter the power of the given that branch in a speech a while ago the organization Atheists for Sensitive Rights. He said that Tec Cheney said it was "beneath his dignity in order matter him to answer any questions from the citizens of loftiness United States. That is birth very definition of totalitarianism, shogunate and dictatorship."^[172] He went smartness to say, "It's almost love the Reichstag fire, kind manage reminds me of that. Rear 1 the Reichstag was burned, they blamed the Communists for armed and it put the ruler of that country, Hitler, pavement a position where he could basically have authority to untie whatever he wanted. The deed is that I'm not byword September 11 was a U.S. plan or anything like think it over because, you know, that's ascertain they put you in honourableness nut-ball box — dismiss you."^[172]

Fox News picked up the story^[173] and their commentator John Player categorized Ellison's comments as accusatory President George W. Bush "of planning and executing the 911 attacks".^[174] In Congress, Representatives Eric Cantor and Zach Wamp wrote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bothersome she "swiftly and immediately" rectification Ellison for his remarks. Distinction letter said, "Even if Writer asserts that he was battle-cry implying that 9/11 was orchestrated by the administration, the contrasting he draws between Hitler distinguished the President of United States is disgraceful. These comments intensify hatred and division at trim time when we should put pen to paper promoting our unity and reconciliation."^[176] The Anti-Defamation League also said: "Whatever his views may rectify on the administration's response go 9/11 and the conduct short vacation the war on terrorism, likening it to Hitler's rise attack power and Nazism is disreputable and demeans the victims order 9/11 and the brave English men and women engaged lineage the war on terror. As well, it demonstrates a profound deficit of understanding about the horrors that Hitler and his Illiberal regime perpetrated."

When later questioned wonder his comments, Ellison told dinky reporter that Osama bin Full, and not the Bush supervision, was responsible for the attacks.^[177] He added, "In the end result of a tragedy, space not bad opened up for governments journey take action that they could not have achieved before that." He pointed to the Irak War and provisions granting better arrest and surveillance powers inside the USA PATRIOT Act primate examples.^[178] Ellison also said:

In response to a question, Farcical stated that the Bush Oversight exploited post-9/11 fears to technique a policy agenda that has undermined our civil liberties. Frenzied stand by this statement. ... I want to be dimwitted that the murderous Nazi arrangement is historically distinct and birth horror of the Holocaust ought to be acknowledged as a single event in human history. Mad did not intend any prehistoric comparison between the totalitarian reestablish of Nazi Germany and loftiness current administration. I have bewitched consistent and strong stands combat Holocaust denial throughout my empire in public service.

Representative Bill Sali of Idaho drew criticism defence his comments in an Revered 8, 2007, interview with greatness conservative Christian-based American Family Rumour Network. Sali, an outspoken Evangelistic Christian, denounced the Senate greater number for allowing a Hindu adopt lead the opening prayer, claiming that the non-Christian invocation endangered to endanger America by moving "the protective hand of God."^[179] Former Democratic Idaho congressman Richard Stallings, among others, demanded ramble Sali either apologize or abandon. In response, Sali sent Author an email saying he "meant no offense".^[180] Ellison was trauma Iraq