I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

In advance of his speech the White House released this video on Muslim Americans serving in our government;

The President said that the United States would seek a broader engagement with Muslim world, including new partnerships in education, economic development, science, technology and health. He also specifically addressed several key issues that we must confront together, including: violent extremism, peace and security for Palestine and Israel, nuclear proliferation, democracy and human rights, women’s rights, religious freedom and economic development and opportunity. We’ll post reaction to his speech later today.

On confronting violent extremism:

“…Just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.”

On Middle East peace:

“…For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers -- for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.”

“That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations -- the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them -- and all of us -- to live up to our responsibilities.”

On nuclear proliferation:

“…I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.”

On democracy:

“…Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere."

On religious freedom:

“…Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.”

On women’s rights:

“…I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men and women -- to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

On economic development:

“…Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century -- (applause) -- and in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I'm emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.”

Here’s a link to the full text of the President’s remarks

Gen. Powell slammed the McCain campaign's robo-sleaze and the various smear attacks lobbed at Senator Obama, as well as a defense of Muslim-Americans and the story of Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, a young American Muslim who was 14 on September 11 and was killed in Iraq last year.

Religion will play an important role in today's South Carolina Democratic primary, just as it did in last week's South Carolina Republican primary. The difference is that we'll learn less about how religion affects today's vote than we learned about how it influenced last week's contest.

Last week, thanks to exit polls, we understood the religious breakdown, how often voters attended religious services, whether they considered themselves born-again or evangelical Christians, whether they said the candidates' religious beliefs mattered and what they thought about abortion. And the polls helped to shape the news coverage, so we saw headlines such as: "Evangelical Republicans Drive S.C. Primary" and "Ideology, Religion Important in S.C."

If previous exit polls this cycle are any indicator, religion will be much less central to the exit polls today. At most, Democrats have been asked which religion they identify with and how often they go to church. In Iowa and Michigan, Democrats weren't asked about religion at all. And that, in turn, has shaped the news coverage, making it appear that one party has a monopoly on religion in this race.

I'm chief of staff of the Democratic National Committee and CEO of the 2008 Democratic Convention. I'm also an ordained Pentecostal minister. So I've been encouraged by the growing attention paid to the role of religion in politics as we go about the important task of electing our next president. I've been disappointed, however, with the focus of the discussion so far.

Democrats have been, are and will continue to be people of faith. My own support for the party stems from my sense that it is most emblematic of gospel values. Democrats believe in equal opportunity for all Americans, that no child should go to bed hungry or go without health care, that we should be good stewards of the earth, that we shouldn't pass on debt to our children, and that people who work hard should be able to earn a living wage so they can support their families.

As a "big tent" party, we embrace and represent people from a number of faith traditions. The religious diversity of our party reflects the rich religious diversity of our nation -- and this includes those who don't identify with a religious tradition.

But, for too long, we allowed the other side to define us and our values. Some Democrats were reluctant to talk about faith on the campaign trail. While strong, our faith was a personal, not partisan, matter.

Following the 2004 election, it became clear that Republicans used religion to create a divide. And, as people of faith and as Democrats, we had a responsibility to speak out. That's what we're doing now. The DNC has been actively engaging people of faith who share the core values and principles of the Democratic Party. We've assembled a team of religious leaders -- including pastors, theologians and organizational leaders -- to open a dialogue and build coalitions around our shared values. And America has seen the Democratic presidential candidates sharing their own faith journeys, talking about how faith informs their politics.

We know the support is there -- and growing. In fact, Democrats narrowed the Republican advantage among weekly churchgoers in the 2006 election, and a recent Pew survey found that the number of young evangelicals who identified themselves as Republican dropped by 15 percentage points, from 55 percent in 2001 to 40 percent today.

Yet the exit polls and the media reports and the pundits have largely missed this story. They often fail to acknowledge that people of faith are and can be Democrats.

To be sure, exit-poll questions asking Republicans if they are born-again or evangelical Christians may be trying to approximate questions in years past about identification with the "Religious Right." But this is an outdated script that leaves the impression that religion and faith matter only to Republicans.

Religion will continue to play a prominent role in the Democratic nominating process as well. And pollsters and pundits and all the media would do well to examine this interesting and important dynamic.

The writer is chief of staff of the Democratic Party and CEO of the Democratic Convention in Denver.

“Today Muslims in America and around the world will end the holy month of Ramadan by celebrating Eid al-Fitr (Breaking of the Fast). It is a day of shared joy and happiness, a day where friends and family come together, moved by a month of contemplation, reflection and intense spiritual renewal. It is in this special spirit of togetherness that my family and I would like to join all Muslims in America and around the world in celebrating this most important day. Eid mubarak!”

"Today, Muslims in America and around the world will begin a month long celebration for the holy month of Ramadan. This special time provides Muslims the opportunity to receive by giving, share by going without and practice self-control by letting go of daily routines. Ramadan is also a time of contemplation and reflection, a great opportunity to be thankful for what has been given and for taking the time to give in return. This special occasion reminds us all, Muslim and non-Muslim, that we all are part of the same great family; that we are all deserving of each others respect and that we are all worthy to live free of tyranny and oppression in a just and peaceful world.

"On this first day of Ramadan, my family and I wish to express to Muslims in America and around the world our very best wishes for this special time of contemplation, self-sacrifice, and affirmation of our commitment to our fellow man."

In the last week alone, a Republican candidate in Minnesota attacked his opponent's faith, young conservatives in Michigan are running dangerous and divisive "Catch an Illegal Immigrant" and "Fun With Guns" events, and an Arizona Republican Congressional candidate refused to demand that former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke remove an endorsement and a link to his campaign from Duke's website.

This renewed sense of desperation among Republicans comes as the American people are rejecting the failed leadership of the Do-Nothing Congress. A new CBS/New York Times poll showed that just 25% of Americans approve of the job the Republican-controlled Congress is doing. Two-thirds said the Do-Nothing Congress has accomplished less this session then it typically does, while a majority said it could not even name a single accomplishment. [New York Times, 9/21/06]

"The shameful discriminatory and un-American rhetoric being used by desperate Republican candidates across the country is not just a reflection of how out of touch they are with basic American values and decency, it's a stark reminder of how little they have to run on this year," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Luis Miranda. "A desperate need to cling to power is not an excuse for promoting intolerance and hate. If this is what the Republican Party needs to do to win, it doesn't bode well for the future of the Republican Party or of our democratic process.

"Americans are tired of being divided, and are looking for change. Democrats stand ready to offer a new direction for America, one that embraces America's unique diversity and works to unite us in a common sense of purpose."

Below are some of the most egregious examples of this desperate strategy:

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman Vows To Do "Whatever It Takes." "With so much at stake, the Republican National Committee will hold nothing back in this fight. This week, I made the decision that the RNC will spend whatever it takes - $60 million or more, the RNC's entire budget - to maintain our majorities." [RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman, e-mail to supporters, 9/15/06] Arizona Republican Congressional Candidate Gets David Duke's Nod of Approval Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Founder and former Grand Wizard David Duke praises Republican Congressional candidate Randy Graf and links to Graf’s campaign website from his own. The Arizona Daily Star, however, reported that Graf campaign manager R.T. Gregg told that newspaper that "Graf has no plan" to ask David Duke to remove the link to the campaign. Graf’s history may shed some light on that: [Arizona Daily Star, 09/21/06]

• Graf Opposed Banning Cross Burning. In 2004, Graf voted against HB 2694 which made it a Class 1 misdemeanor to burn a cross on another person's property without permission with the intent to intimidate any person or group of persons. [HB 2694, 5/26/04; Associated Press, 5/5/04]
  
  
• Graf Was a Senior Advisor to a Group Led by a Self-Described "White Separatist." Graf was a senior advisor to Protect Arizona Now (PAN). The chair of PAN's advisory board, Dr. Virginia Abernethy, told The Arizona Republic that she was a "white separatist."
  
  
• FAIR Donated Thousands to Graf's Campaign. The U.S. Immigration Reform PAC, associated with FAIR, donated $5,000 to Graf's 2004 campaign for Congress. [www.tray.com] Between 1982 and 1994, FAIR received more than $1.2 million from the Pioneer Fund, a little-known foundation created in 1937 which openly supported Adolph Hitler. In fact, Paul Gemma, a known Holocaust denier, was employed by this PAC. [Center for New Community Report, Nov. 2004; The American Prospect, 11/05]

College Republican National Committee Intern Planned Divisive and Dangerous "Catch an Illegal Immigrant" and "Fun With Guns" Events. "Morgan Wilkins, the intern hired by the Republican National Committee to win the hearts and minds of Michigan 20-somethings, is planning events that some may find odd. To others, they may be offensive. One such idea is 'Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day,' in which a volunteer would play the part of an illegal immigrant and hide somewhere on campus while others try to find him. The winner would receive a prize. Her other ideas include an event called 'Fun with Guns,' in which young Republicans would use a BB gun or paintball gun to shoot cardboard cut-outs of Democratic leaders such as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)" [The Michigan Daily, 9/12/06]

• Similar Events Had Already Been Tested Around the Country. "The Young Conservatives of Texas played the game at the University of North Texas in Denton last spring. But campus outcry put a stop to similar plans at Penn State University and the University of Texas at Austin. The University [of Michigan] chapter of YAF will have help playing the game from its counterpart at Michigan State University." [The Michigan Daily, 9/19/06]

Minnesota Republicans Lash Out at Japanese and Muslim Americans. Former state Representative Mike Osskopp, a senior staffer for Republican Congressman John Kline was caught on video tape screaming a derogatory, anti-Japanese slur in the parking lot during a recent political event. Osskopp's insensitive remark came less than a week after Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Ron Carey sent a fundraising e-mail challenging the patriotism of Keith Ellison, a Muslim-American Democratic Congressional Candidate. Ellison's opponent, Republican candidate Alan Fine, also lashed out at him in a manner that a Star Tribune political columnist called "stunning" in its vitriol. As the columnist noted, "I've received hate mail from lonely bigots with a gentler tone than [Fine's] statement." [Minneapolis Star Tribune, 9/13/06].

GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Said Black Women Get Abortions At An "Appalling Rate." Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez said, "black women get abortions at an 'appalling' rate. 'I've seen numbers as high as 70 percent - maybe even more - in the African-American community that I think is just appalling,' the congressman said in an interview broadcast Monday on public radio's 'Colorado Matters' program. The comment sparked a fury among black religious and political leaders that was fanned after grassroots liberal groups called attention to the statement." [Denver Post, 8/31/06]

Conrad Burns Said "A Faceless enemy" Of Terrorists "Drive Taxi Cabs In The Daytime And Kill At Night." "First lady Laura Bush campaigned for U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns here [in Montana] Wednesday, calling the Republican a strong advocate for Montana farmers and families. . Burns talked about the war on terrorism, saying a 'faceless enemy' of terrorists 'drive taxi cabs in the daytime and kill at night.'" [Associated Press, 8/31/06]

• Burns Joked About How "A Little Guatemalan Man" Fixing His House Might Be An Illegal Immigrant Seven Years After Calling Arabs "Ragheads." "A new video released this week by his Democratic challenger, Jon Tester, shows Burns joking to a crowd in June about how a 'nice little Guatemalan man' fixing up his house might be an illegal immigrant. 'Could I see your green card?' Burns tells the crowd he asked the man. 'And Hugo, says, 'No.' I said, 'Oh, gosh.'' A Burns spokesman said the senator never really doubted the legal status of the handyman, Hugo Reyes. But it wasn't the only time Burns -- a critic of illegal immigration -- has poked fun at the immigrants doing work around his house. One week after the green-card crack, Burns recounted in a debate how after watching an interview on television of an illegal immigrant headed to Virginia for work, 'I told my roofer, you better go out and get your help, or you won't get my house roofed.' . Seven years earlier, Burns apologized for calling Arabs 'ragheads' in a speech about high oil prices." [Washington Post, 8/23/06]

FL Congressional Candidate Said, "I Know From Experience, That Blacks Are Not The Greatest Swimmers Or May Not Even Know How To Swim." "A video clip in which Republican Tramm Hudson makes negative comments about the swimming abilities of black people spread across the Internet on Thursday, drawing an apology from his campaign and a mix of reactions from challengers and local black leaders. The 27-second clip, first posted on the conservative Web site redstate.com, shows a portion of a speech the 13th District congressional candidate gave at a Christian Coalition forum in February. In the segment, Hudson, a former Army commander, recalls leading his infantry company across a river during a training exercise. 'A large number were black,' Hudson said. 'I grew up in Alabama. I understand, uh, I know from experience, that blacks are not the greatest swimmers or may not even know how to swim.'" [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 8/18/06]

Allen Called Webb Volunteer "Macaca" and Welcomed Him To America. "At a campaign rally in southwest Virginia on Friday, Allen repeatedly called a volunteer for Democrat James Webb 'macaca.' Depending on how it is spelled, the word macaca could mean either a monkey that inhabits the Eastern Hemisphere or a town in South Africa. In some European cultures, macaca is also considered a racial slur against African immigrants, according to several Web sites that track ethnic slurs. 'The kid has a name,' Webb communications director Kristian Denny Todd said of Sidarth, a Virginia native who was born in Fairfax County. 'This is trying to demean him, to minimize him as a person.'" [Washington Post, 8/15/06]

GOP Congressional Candidate Called Racial Profiling "A Tool Of War." "Republican congressional candidate Mark Flanagan called for closer screening of Muslims at U.S. airports as a way of preventing future attacks. And the Bradenton Republican went a step further, calling racial profiling 'a tool of war,' and grabbing international media attention in a race in which he's been largely outgunned. 'Profiling is not about bigotry,' said Flanagan, a former state legislator. 'It's about history, it's about evidence. It's about common sense. Terrorists are changing their tactics constantly, and they're taking advantage of our failure not to profile.'" [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 8/26/06]

When Asked What A Muslim Male Looks Like GOP Congressional Candidate Said, "If He Comes In Wearing A Turban And His Name Is Mohammed, That's A Good Start." A congressional candidate from northwestern Wisconsin says airport security screeners should search all Muslim males. When asked how to tell what a Muslim male looks like, Nelson replied 'Well, you know, if he comes in wearing a turban and his name is Mohammed, that's a good start.'" [Associated Press, 8/16/06]

Buchanan Called For "An Immediate Moratoriam. To Assimilate, Americanize . And Make Them [Immigrants] Americans." According to Pat Buchanan's book State of Emergency, "The first imperative is an immediate moratorium on all immigration. And while the moratorium lasts, we should debate and decide whom we wish to come and whether we wish to alter or preserve the ethnic-religious composition of America. After all, America belongs to us, not the world." When asked about the passage in an interview on CNN, Buchanan said, "I do believe we should favor folks from cultures and civilization that have been assimilated before. But the purpose of the moratorium is like the moratorium we had from 1924 to 1965, to assimilate, Americanize and to introduce all these folks to our language and culture, and history and heroes, and make them Americans." [CNN, 8/28/06]

Baker Thanked God For The Damage Katrina Wrought On New Orleans Housing Projects, Which Predominantly Housed African-Americans. "[Rep. Richard] Baker, a white Republican from Baton Rouge who is serving his tenth term in the US House of Representative, did little for the cause of racial trust when he was overheard talking to lobbyists thanking God for the damage Katrina wrought on New Orleans housing projects, which predominantly housed African-Americans. 'We finally cleaned up public housing,' he said. 'We couldn't do it, but God did.' Baker later claimed he was misquoted." [New York Times, 8/27/06; Advocate (Baton Rouge), 9/10/05]

Romney Used "Tar Baby" Racial Epithet at Fundraiser. Responding to Romney's use of the word "tar baby" to describe the Big Dig on July 29, 2006, Leonard Atkins, president of the Boston NAACP, commented, "[Romney] obviously has lived a sheltered life. He's completely disconnected with reality in terms of racial sensitivity. He just does not get it." [Associated Press, 7/31/06]

• Romney Suggested Wire-Tapping Mosques at 2005 Heritage Foundation Event. On September 15, 2005 the Boston Globe reported that, "Romney raised the prospect of wiretapping mosques and conducting surveillance of foreign students in Massachusetts, as he issued a broad call yesterday for the federal government to devote far more money and attention to domestic intelligence gathering." The Globe quoted Romney, speaking at a forum hosted by the Heritage Foundation on September 14, stating, "How many individuals are coming to our state and going to those institutions [foreign students in higher education] who have come from terrorist-sponsored states? Do we know where they are? Are we tracking them? How about people who are in settings -- mosques, for instance -- that may be teaching doctrines of hate and terror. Are we monitoring that? Are we wiretapping? Are we following what's going on?" [Boston Globe, 9/15/06]
  
  
• Romney's Wiretapping Mosques Comments Drew Ire from Civil Liberty & Muslim Groups. On September 16, 2005, the Washington Post quoted, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, stating, "It's irresponsible for the top elected official in any state to suggest blanket wiretapping of houses of worship." The Post also quoted, Ali Noorani, the executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, stating, "There's a need for the U.S. government and the intelligence system to better understand the Muslim community. The way not to do it is to wiretap and surreptitiously surveil an entire community." [Washington Post, 9/16/06]

Blackwell: Homosexuality Is a Choice and Lifestyle That Can Be Changed And A "Transgression Against God's Law." On a Columbus Dispatch web cast, Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell said homosexuality 'is a lifestyle, it's a choice, and that lifestyle can be changed. I think it's a transgression against God's law, God's will.' Blackwell also compared gays to arsonists and kleptomaniacs. He said they all can change despite what might be a genetic inclination to such behavior. [Columbus Dispatch, 7/23/06]

Harris Said "If You Are Not Electing Christians, Tried And True, Under Public Scrutiny And Pressure, If You're Not Electing Christians, Then In Essence You Are Going To Legislate Sin." "Harris ignited a furor with her Witness interview. She sounded a fervent evangelical tone, saying that God 'chooses our rulers,' that voters need to send Christians to political office, and that God did not intend for the United States to be a 'nation of secular laws.' Speaking to Witness editors, Harris said: 'If you are not electing Christians, tried and true, under public scrutiny and pressure, if you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin.' 'If we are the ones not actively involved in electing those godly men and women,' then 'we're going to have a nation of secular laws. That's not what our Founding Fathers intended and . certainly isn't what God intended.'" [Kansas City Star, 8/28/06]

John McCain Refuses to Fire South Carolina Spokesman Who Founded A Confederate Heritage Magazine And Wrote Against MLK Holiday. Quinn was the editor in chief of The Southern Partisan magazine, which was described by Vanity Fair as “rabidly devoted to the South’s Confederate heritage.” In a 1983 column arguing against the recognition of Martin Luther King Day, Quinn wrote, “King Day should have been rejected because its purpose is vitriolic and profane…” As recently as December 23, 2005, Richard Quinn was identified as “McCain's South Carolina spokesman.” A 2004 Vanity Fair piece on McCain’s fall in the 2000 campaign identified Quinn as “the McCain [2000] campaign's South Carolina strategist.” [The State, 2/9/01, Partisan View, Southern Partisan, Fall, 1983, Spartanburg Herald-Journal, 12/23/05; Vanity Fair, 11/04]

From CQ:

Democrats in Minnesota’s strongly Democratic 5th Congressional District put history into motion by nominating state Rep. Keith Ellison in Tuesday’s primary — all but guaranteeing that he will become the first Muslim ever elected to Congress.

Ellison’s virtually certain victory in November also would make him the first African-American to represent Minnesota in the 110th Congress, and one of a small handful of black lawmakers who represent districts with sizable white majorities. The 5th, which includes all of Minneapolis and much of its suburbs, has a population that is about 70 percent non-Hispanic white.

The winner of the November election will succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Martin Olav Sabo, who never had a close race over his 14-term career. Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry took 71 percent of the 5th District vote in 2004...

Ellison’s charm and progressive politics are what likely pulled him through, experts say. The 43-year-old state lawmaker has been likened to progressive political icon Paul Wellstone — a comparison that can go a long way in a state that is still mourning the late senator, who died in a plane crash late in his 2002 bid for re-election.

“The margin speaks to the strength of progressives and grass-roots in that district,” said Blois Olson, co-publisher of the newsletter Politics in Minnesota. “He’s been compared to Paul Wellstone . . . I think it was a factor, and I think the people could relate to that.”

Ellison also pushed hard in the final hours of his campaign, meeting with as many voters as possible to spread a message that included advocating withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, universal health care coverage and support for labor issues.

Throughout the race, Ellison focused on those subjects, eschewing a race-based campaign, and vigorously seeking face time with as many voters of all backgrounds as possible.

The tactic clearly worked: more voters showed up for this primary than any other primary in state history. “This is exactly how we planned it,” said Ellison campaign spokesman Dave Colling.

Colling contended the real reason Ellison is able to elicit so much enthusiasm is his willingness to stand up to authority, a trait he said President Bush will soon encounter. “I watched him do it in the state House, and I can’t wait to watch him do it in Congress,” Colling said.

This morning Ellison's website reads:

We came together, all colors, all faiths, all of us... This campaign is about everybody counts, and everybody matters.

Great message.

"It was gracious of him to say I apologize for the lack of communication," said Shakeel Syed, executive director of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, an umbrella group of mosques and organizations representing 500,000 Muslims.

The meeting between the mayor and about 10 Muslim leaders was characterized as "constructive" and is hoped to help head off the kind divisiveness that has roiled between Arab and Jewish communities the Detroit Area. The Mayor previously attended a rally held by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

Salam Al-Marayati, executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, said Muslim leaders were impressed with the mayor's swift response to their public complaints. "He demonstrated leadership today in taking responsibility and is determined to move forward in the most constructive way."

According to Jackson; "Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the president? Logic says they don't get the contract. That's the way I believe." [Dallas Business Journal, 5/5/06]

"Washington Republicans continue to operate in a culture of corruption and cronyism, which doles out favorable treatment to the President's close allies and cronies but excludes anyone who disagrees with the President and his policies," said Democratic National Committee spokesperson Amaya Smith. "Minority contractors shouldn't have to pass a partisan litmus test in order to do business with the government. If Secretary Jackson and President Bush were truly interested in increasing minority contracting opportunities they would follow the law and base government contracting on merit instead of playing politics with taxpayers' dollars."

Governor Dean chats with Alderman Ricardo Munoz,who represents Chicago's 23rd ward.

Beth Kanter, Director of Political Affairs for the Chicago Federation of Labor introduced Governor Dean.

Governor Dean spoke about immigration reform and the debate going on in Congress and across the country. He discussed how Democrats are fighting for comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens our borders, protects U.S. workers and their wages, reunites families, and allows hard working immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship. He stressed that immigration reform is not just a Hispanic issue, but one that affects many different communities, as reflected by those in attendance. Governor Dean pointed out that the Republicans have been pushing the anger button for too long, playing the politics of fear and division. He noted that most Americans don't believe in the wholesale round-up and deportation of undocumented immigrants, as called for in the House Republicans' immigration bill that was passed in December.

After his remarks, Governor Dean sat down with the group to get their input about the ongoing debate and learn how immigration reform would affect their various communities.

While both Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman addressed the Republican faithful at CPAC after Coulter's angry tirade, neither saw fit to condemn her remarks or even to suggest that they did not reflect the Republican Party. James Zogby, Chair of the DNC's National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee, today issued the following statement demanding that Mehlman and Frist denounce Coulter's outlandish comments:

"That Republican leaders would go on stage after the sort of vile hate speech Ann Coulter unleashed last week and not condemn those remarks is an outrage. As the leaders of the Republican Party, Bill Frist and Ken Mehlman have a duty to denounce such conduct.

"America's Muslim and Arab-American communities have made invaluable contributions to our society. Muslims and Arab-Americans are serving in our armed forces, bravely fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Ann Coulter or anyone else makes such bigoted, hate-filled remarks, they dishonor their service and sacrifice to our country, and work only to divide Americans. No political party should condone such discourse.

"Together, America can do better. Ken Mehlman and Senator Frist should reject the politics of fear and division, and join the Democratic Party in restoring the sense of community that has been so dramatically undercut by the Bush Administration's failed leadership."

"Today Muslims in America and around the world mark the start of the Islamic New Year. Muslims honor the start of this holy month through prayer and reflection.

"Tradition calls for Muharram to be a month of peace and unity. While Muslims use this time to recommit themselves to the struggle for peace around the world, we also celebrate the diversity of faith and the freedom of religion that makes America such a great nation."

The Governor met with Arab American leaders in Dearborn, Michigan yesterday at the Arab American National Museum, the only museum of its kind in the United States. The museum is a project of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), which provides services and does outreach to the community in Michigan and across the country.

Before the Governor spoke, Ishmael Ahmad, the executive director of ACCESS, gave us a tour of the museum and we learned quite a bit. Did you know an Arab American guy named Robert George worked at the White House for 50 years under seven administrations? What did he do? He played the White House Santa Claus every year.

Once the program started, the Governor told the crowd how important it was that we as Democrats reach out to all types of ethnic groups. "I'm in politics because I want a better America, one in which we're not divided," the Governor said.

Being in Michigan also enables us to drink Vernor's Ginger Soda, a local specialty that the Gov thoroughly enjoys. I'd say I found it to have a rather bold taste.

Governor Dean and Ishmael Ahmad touring the Arab American National Museum together.

The Governor speaking to the group.