2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election

none February 2026 July 2012 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 2004 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 2008 November 7, 2006 File:Rep.K.Ellison.jpg x150px Keith Ellison Democratic Party (United States) 136,060 55.6% File:Alan Fine Pose Facing.jpg Alan Fine Republican Party (United States) 52,263 21.3% File:Tammy lee3 (cropped).png Tammy Lee Independence Party of Minnesota 51,456 21.0% MN5 House 2006.svg 180px Precinct resultsEllison: #BDD3FF 30–40% #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Fine: #FFC8CD 30–40% #FFB2B2 40–50%Lee: #aae5aa 30–40% U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo Democratic Party (United States) Keith Ellison Democratic Party (United States) The 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election was an election for the United States House of Representatives for the open seat of incumbent Martin Olav Sabo (DFL), who retired after serving the Minneapolis-based district for 28 years. Sabo, who had rarely faced a serious electoral challenge, won reelection with 70% of the vote in 2004 in a district that went for John Kerry by 71% in the presidential election. The seat had elected candidates of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) since 1962 and was rated "Safe Democratic" by CQ Politics. Sabo's surprising announcement in March 2006 prompted many area Democrats to enter the race. While state representative Keith Ellison received the party's endorsement, he was not backed by Sabo and faced stiff primary competition from former Sabo aide Mike Erlandson, among others. Having won the primary, Ellison handily defeated Republican nominee, business consultant Alan Fine, and the Independence nominee, businesswoman Tammy Lee, in the general election. Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary thumb|Minnesota's 5th congressional district Candidates Received nomination Keith Ellison, state representativehttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ellison/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Keith Ellison Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Defeated in primary Mike Erlandson, former state chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; former Chief of Staff to Martin Olav Sabohttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/erlandson/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Mike Erlandson Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Andrew Vincent Favorite, businessman and former U.S. Navy reservist Gregg A. Iverson, perennial candidate and U.S. Army veteranhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92603963/biographies/ U.S. Representative, District 5 Star Tribune September 6, 2006 January 15, 2022https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ersElectionId=56&scenario=USRepresentative&districtId=560 Results for US Representative District 05 Minnesota Secretary of State 2006 March 15, 2021 Ember Reichgott Junge, former state senatorhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/junge/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Ember Reichgott Junge Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Paul Ostrow, member of the Minneapolis City Councilhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ostrow/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Paul Ostrow Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Patrick J. Wiles, former member of the United Auto Workers Local 879 executive boardhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/92603331/wiles-and-endorsements/ U.S. House of Representatives Star Tribune September 6, 2006 January 15, 2022 Withdrew before primary Gail Dorfman, member of the Hennepin County Commissionhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/dorfman/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Gail Dorfman Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 (endorsed Ellison)https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99842280/ellison-convention/ DFLers pick Ellison to replace Sabo Star Tribune May 7, 2006 B11 April 14, 2022 Anne Knapp, former assistant commissioner for the Department of Employment Securityhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/knapp/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Anne Knapp Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 (endorsed Saavedra) Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, associate professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas (endorsed Ellison)https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/ellison-wins-dfl-endorsement-succeed-sabo/ Ellison wins DFL endorsement to succeed Sabo Twin Cities Daily Planet https://web.archive.org/web/20201025111254/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/ellison-wins-dfl-endorsement-succeed-sabo/ October 25, 2020 March 24, 2021 May 7, 2006 Cox Craig Jon Olson, president of the Minneapolis Parks Boardhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/jonolson/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jon Olson Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Jorge Saavedra, attorneyhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/saavedra/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jorge Saavedra Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 (endorsed Ellison) Gary Schiff, member of the Minneapolis City Councilhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/schiff/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Gary Schiff Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Erik Thompson, activist (ran in the 7th congressional district)http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/thompson/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 7th District: Erik Thompson Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Declined to run Mark Andrew, former chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Sharon Sayles Belton, former mayor of Minneapolishttps://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/18/saboretires Tearful Martin Sabo announces retirement from Congress MPR News Pugmire Tim Lohn Martiga March 18, 2006 March 28, 2021 Scott Benson, member of the Minneapolis City Council Satveer Chaudhary, state senator Scott Dibble, state senatorhttps://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dorfman-enters-race-sabos-seat/ Dorfman enters race for Sabo's seat Twin Cities Daily Planet Cox Craig March 21, 2006 March 28, 2021 (endorsed Dorfman) Betty Folliard, former state representative Lisa Goodman, member of the Minneapolis City Council Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative (endorsed Ellison) Peter McLaughlin, member of the Hennepin County Commission Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission (endorsed Dorfman, then Erlandson) R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis Julie Sabo, former state senator DFL endorsement Before Sabo announced his retirement, he was already being challenged for the party endorsement by professor and anti-Iraq War activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/pallmeyer/ MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer Minnesota Public Radio December 4, 2011 Nelson-Pallmeyer's campaign was considered to have little to no chance of succeeding. When Sabo announced his retirement several candidates entered the race, seeking the DFL endorsement to replace him. Hennepin County commissioner Gail Dorfman announced her campaign for the seat on March 21, 2006, becoming the first woman to enter the campaign, and assumed the status of one of the frontrunners due to her strong fundraising record.https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dorfman-enters-race-sabos-seat/ Dorfman enters race for Sabo's seat Twin Cities Daily Planet Cox Craig March 21, 2006 July 12, 2021 At the district convention in May, state representative Keith Ellison won the DFL endorsement after four ballots.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/06/5dist/ MPR: Keith Ellison wins endorsement in 5th District MPR News Scheck Tom May 6, 2006 December 4, 2011 Ellison winning the endorsement was considered a surprise, as election analysts had predicted a close race between him, Dorfman and former DFL chair Mike Erlandson, but instead Ellison came away with a convincing margin of victory, with Dorfman in second and Erlandson in fourth, behind Nelson-Pallmeyer. After being heckled by delegates for refusing to commit to endorsing the winner of the convention, Erlandson left the building and decided to run in the primary anyway. This action angered DFL chair Brian Melendez, who accused Erlandson of disloyalty.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/06/erlandsonfiles Former party chief now bucks the party process MPR News Scheck Tom July 6, 2006 February 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20200924191856/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/06/erlandsonfiles September 24, 2020 live Primary election In the September primary, the retiring Sabo backed Erlandson. Ellison and Erlandson were joined by state senator Ember Reichgott Junge and Minneapolis City Councillor Paul Ostrow in the primary race, along with several minor candidates. Junge was widely considered the most moderate candidate, and her campaign was largely focused around healthcare,https://web.archive.org/web/20080318195748/http://citypages.com/databank/27/1340/article14599.asp http://citypages.com/databank/27/1340/article14599.asp dead March 18, 2008 Junge at Heart City Pages Robson Britt August 9, 2006 March 26, 2021 while Ellison was focused on turning out traditionally overlooked voters, like Somali Americans and members of the LGBT community.https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2020/08/omars-primary-victory-affirms-progressives-control-of-minnesotas-fifth-district/ Omar's primary victory affirms progressives' control of Minnesota's Fifth District MinnPost Schneider Gabe Kaul Greta August 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20210117200530/https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2020/08/omars-primary-victory-affirms-progressives-control-of-minnesotas-fifth-district/ January 17, 2021 live March 15, 2021 However, Ellison's campaign suffered from numerous controversies, such as revelations that he had failed to pay back parking tickets, and that in the early 90s he had written articles praising the Nation of Islam.https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2006/10/13/october-13-2006-keith-ellison-muslim-congressional-candidate/3758/ Keith Ellison: Muslim Congressional Candidate PBS Abernethy Bob Bob Abernethy Lazaro Fred de Sam October 13, 2006 March 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910013428/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2006/10/13/october-13-2006-keith-ellison-muslim-congressional-candidate/3758/ September 10, 2013 live Erlandson attacked both Ellison and Junge, drawing attention to the controversies Ellison had been involved in, and criticising Junge for numerous votes she had made while a state senator and for being the Minnesota chair of Joe Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/07/5thnegative Rivals say Erlandson crosses the line MPR News Scheck Tom September 7, 2006 March 24, 2021 Erlandson also emphasised his supposed ability to work with other elected Democrats in order to pass legislation.https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/back-race-erlandson-hopes-move-forward/ Back in the race, Erlandson hopes to move forward Twin Cities Daily Planet McIntee Mike May 31, 2006 April 30, 2021 Ellison went on to win the September 12 primary with 41% of the vote. Debates 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district Democratic primary debates No. Number Date & time Host Moderator Link ParticipantsKey:black #90ff90  P  Participant   black #FFFFDD  A  Absent   black #ff9090  N  Non-invitee   #f0e68c W Withdrawn Gail Dorfman Keith Ellison Mike Erlandson Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer Ember Reichgott Junge Paul Ostrow Jorge Saavedra Gary Schiff 1https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/04/23/5distdebate Fifth District congressional candidates hold first debate MPR News Baxter Annie April 24, 2006 March 26, 2021 April 24, 2006 P P P P P A P P 2https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/24/fifthdebate DFLers face off in 5th district debate MPR News Scheck Tom July 24, 2006 March 26, 2021 July 24, 2006 KFAI, Insight News W P P W P P W W 3https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2006/07/25/jcrcdebate 5th district candidates debate Mideast policy The Current Williams Brandt July 26, 2006 May 13, 2021 May 12, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210512225032/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2006/07/25/jcrcdebate dead July 25, 2006 Temple Israel Minneapolis David Schlecter W P P W P P W W 4https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/24/midday3 5th District DFL congressional candidates debate MPR News August 24, 2006 March 26, 2021 August 24, 2006 Minnesota Public Radio W P P W P P W W Endorsements Gail Dorfman (withdrawn) State officials Scott Dibble, state senator Local officials Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission (later endorsed Erlandson) Keith Ellison Executive officials Walter Mondale, former vice president of the United States State officials Connie Bernardy, state representative Frank Hornstein, state representative Phyllis Kahn, state representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative Allan Spear, former state senator, former president of the Minnesota Senate Local officials R. T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis Individuals Samuel L. Kaplan, businessman and attorney Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, associate professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas Labor unions AFL-CIO American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Education Association Service Employees International Union Organizations Clean Water Action Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Sierra Clubhttps://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/31/endorsements-in-the-5th-congressional-district Endorsements in the 5th Congressional District MPR News Scheck Tom August 31, 2006 March 24, 2021 Mike Erlandson Federal officials Wendell Anderson, former U.S. senator from Minnesota and former governor of Minnesota John Murtha, U.S. representative from PA-12https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/31/fifthdistrict 5th District DFLers debate the details of Iraq war MPR News Scheck Tom August 31, 2006 March 24, 2021 Martin Olav Sabo, U.S. representative from MN-05 State officials Ted Mondale, former state senator Local officials Patrick D. McGowan, sheriff of Hennepin County and former state senator Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission Labor unions United Transportation Union Organizations League of Conservation Votershttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/99781945/mike-erlandson-profile/ Hoping to succeed his ex-boss September 6, 2006 April 17, 2022 Star Tribune Olson Rochelle National Association of Home Builders National Association of Realtors Newspapers and publications Star Tribune Ember Reichgott Junge Labor unions Fraternal Order of Police Organizations EMILY's Listhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2006/09/11/muslim-candidate-plays-defense-span-classbankheadlead-shrinks-as-minnesota-democrat-repudiates-association-with-farrakhan-span/79546ad0-a175-48e9-b610-717846e0b99b/ Muslim Candidate Plays Defense Lead Shrinks as Minnesota Democrat Repudiates Association With Farrakhan The Washington Post Cooperman Alan Alan Cooperman September 11, 2006 March 16, 2021 National Women's Political Caucus Newspapers and publications Lavender Magazine Paul Ostrow Local officials Albert Hofstede, former mayor of Minneapolis Labor unions International Association of Fire Fighters Local 82 Organizations American Diabetes Association Business and Professional Women's Foundation Results Democratic primary Keith Ellison Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 29,003 41.21 Mike Erlandson Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 21,857 31.06 Ember Reichgott Junge Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 14,454 20.54 Paul Ostrow Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 3,795 5.39 Andrew Vincent Favorite Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 470 0.67 Gregg A. Iverson Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 448 0.64 Patrick J. Wiles Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 347 0.49 70,374 100.00 Republican primary Despite the heavy Democratic lean of the 5th district, Republicans were hopeful that with Sabo's retirement, their candidate would perform well.http://www.startribune.com/465/story/623665.html https://web.archive.org/web/20061005062042/http://www.startribune.com/465/story/623665.html Alan Fine is a pol with a tune, not just a song-and-dance Star Tribune October 5, 2006 August 19, 2006 dead Grow Doug Before Sabo announced his retirement, two Republicans had already announced campaigns, Tim Anderson and James Turnham.https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/03/sabo-is-out-who-will-be-in/ Sabo is out; who will be in? Southwest Journal McKenzie Sarah March 27, 2006 March 24, 2021 December 1, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201201234533/https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/03/sabo-is-out-who-will-be-in/ dead However, by May 3, both had dropped out, with Turnham citing "some unfortunate circumstances" as his reason for doing so,https://web.archive.org/web/20060904180331/http://www.jamesturnham.com/ James Turnam for Congress James Turnham March 28, 2021 2006 http://www.jamesturnham.com/ September 4, 2006 dead paving the way for business consultant Alan Fine to receive the party's nomination.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/03/5th-district-drop-out 5th District drop-out MPR News Collins Bob May 3, 2006 March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210404005029/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/03/5th-district-drop-out April 4, 2021 live Viewed as a moderate Republican, Fine was pro-choice, and his campaign was noted in its early days for its gentleness, with Fine himself often playing the piano at campaign events. Candidates Alan Fine, business consultant and senior lecturer at the Carlson School of Management Withdrawn Tim Anderson James Turnham Results Republican primary Alan Fine Republican Party (United States) 7,352 100.00 7,352 100.00 Independence primary Independence primary Tammy Lee Independence Party of Minnesota 1,086 100.00 1,086 100.00 General election thumb|Jay Pond Candidates Keith Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), state representativeBritt Robson http://www.citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp Running Man City Pages August 30, 2006 November 10, 2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070108113629/http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp January 8, 2007 Alan Fine (Republican), business consultant and senior lecturer at the Carlson School of Managementhttps://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/fine/ 5th District: Alan Fine Minnesota Public Radio 2006 Tammy Lee (Independence), businesswoman; former press secretary for U.S. Senator Byron Dorganhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/lee/ 5th District: Tammy Lee Minnesota Public Radio 2006 Larry Leininger (White Working Man's), janitor and candidate for mayor of Minneapolis in 2001http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200108/13_newsroom_c2001/leininger.html Minneapolis Mayoral Race Minnesota Public Radio 2001 March 26, 2021 (write-in) Jay Pond (Green), political scientist; Green nominee for CA-08 in 2002 and MN-05 in 2004http://jaypond.org/bio Jaypond.org Jay Pond - Biographical Information November 21, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061108202147/http://jaypond.org/bio November 8, 2006 dead Julian Santana (Socialist Workers), meat packerhttps://www.themilitant.com/2006/7026/702603.html Socialists Workers launch election campaign in Minnesota The Militant Caceres Carlos Fiske Tom July 4, 2006 March 26, 2021 https://www.themilitant.com/2008/7230/723050.html Conference prepares for new class battles The Militant Jaquith Cindy Joyce Ben July 28, 2008 72 30 March 26, 2021 (write-in) Campaign Following Ellison's victory in the DFL primary, Fine and Lee immediately started campaigning.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/13/fine Fine comes out swinging MPR News Scheck Tom September 13, 2006 March 15, 2021 Ellison promised to run a campaign on the "issues", and accused his opponents of attempting to steer the conversation towards his controversies because "on the issues they're in... big trouble". Ellison also attempted to de-emphasise his religion while campaigning.48 Born in the USA Soliman Ahmed M. 2007 iUniverse 9780595441440 Fine's campaign largely focused on Ellison's past ties to the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan, while Lee's campaign emphasised her fiscal centrism, declaring that Fine was too conservative to beat Ellison. In contrast to Fine and Lee, Pond declared that Ellison was insufficiently liberal, stating that he had not been fast enough to denounce the Iraq War. However, Pond largely failed to gain traction, which was attributed to Ellison's staunch progressivism drawing off left-wing support that Pond might otherwise have received.https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/11/ellison-credits-grassroots-campaign-for-victory/ Ellison credits grassroots campaign for victory Southwest Journal VanDerVeen Kari November 20, 2006 March 25, 2021 December 3, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201203135204/https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/11/ellison-credits-grassroots-campaign-for-victory/ dead In contrast to the genial tone his campaign had taken during the primaries, Fine's general election campaign took a staunchly combative turn. Special attention was drawn to Fine's comments after Ellison had won the primary, when he stated "I’m extremely concerned about Keith Ellison, Keith Hakim, Keith X Ellison, Keith Ellison Muhammad", referring to various pseudonyms Ellison had used when he was in college.https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/us/politics/08muslim.html Democrat Poised to Become First Muslim in Congress The New York Times MacFarquhar Neil October 8, 2006 March 16, 2021 Neil MacFarquhar These remarks were seen by some as racist, and one of Fine's brothers, Robert Fine, wrote a letter to Ellison denouncing his brother's comments. Fine's campaign was also wracked by allegations that he had abused his former wife in 1995, first revealed in a story by Star Tribune reporter Rochelle Olson.https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/congressional-candidate-faced-95-domestic-violence-charge/article_f33d8173-0fb9-5d3f-ab21-41f606158bb9.html Congressional candidate faced '95 domestic violence charge La Crosse Tribune Associated Press October 8, 2006 March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210324071841/https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/congressional-candidate-faced-95-domestic-violence-charge/article_f33d8173-0fb9-5d3f-ab21-41f606158bb9.html March 24, 2021 live Fine strongly denied the allegations, claiming that Olson had ties to Ellison, and accused the Star Tribune of trying to "rig the election".https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/11/5th-district-forum 5th District forum MPR News Collins Bob October 11, 2006 March 24, 2021 Lee capitalized on Ellison's controversies by securing endorsements from a coalition of Minnesota Democrats, including Kathleen Anderson, Sabo's long-time district director. Anderson labelled Ellison a "scofflaw" and stated that Lee was the only candidate "honorable" enough to carry on Sabo's legacy.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/martin-sabos-district-director-endorses-tammy-lee Martin Sabo's District Director endorses Tammy Lee MPR News Scheck Tom October 18, 2006 March 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210315040206/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/martin-sabos-district-director-endorses-tammy-lee March 15, 2021 dead Lee's campaign was largely focused around winning voters in the more moderate, suburban area of South Minneapolis.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/30/fifthdistrict Campaigning heats up in the 5th Congressional District MPR News Williams Brandt October 30, 2006 March 24, 2021 As the campaign continued, Lee was widely considered to be in second place, and several Republican officials attempted to convince Fine to drop out of the race in order to prevent the anti-Ellison vote from being split, but he refused.https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/11/a_surprise_in_minnesota.html A Surprise in Minnesota? RealClearPolitics Casselmann Barry November 4, 2006 July 14, 2021 Media coverage of the race outside of Minnesota largely focused around Ellison's status as the possible first Muslim member of the United States Congress.https://archives.cjr.org/politics/the_pigeonholing_of_keith_elli.php The Pigeon-Holing of Keith Ellison (Congress' First Muslim?) Columbia Journalism Review Colby Edward November 3, 2006 March 16, 2021 This focus was criticised both by Ellison's campaign and by Columbia Journalism Review, which found that the media was shoehorning Ellison's religion into articles where it was not relevant, and that the media was not giving anything other than a surface-level depiction of Islam, noting that only the St. Petersburg Times had stated whether Ellison was a Shia or Sunni in their coverage. In contrast, Columbia Journalism Review praised the Star Tribunes coverage of the race, finding that it was more substantial than the coverage in newspapers based outside of Minnesota. Fine strongly criticised the media's coverage of the race, stating that they had not covered Ellison's controversies enough and that they were not discussing the political positions of the candidates.https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/10/all-fired-up/ All fired up Southwest Journal VanDerVeen Kari October 9, 2006 March 25, 2021 October 1, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201001084907/https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/10/all-fired-up/ dead Sabo's support During the primary run, departing Representative Sabo had endorsed and donated money to the campaign of his longtime chief of staff, Mike Erlandson. When Ellison won the primary and his campaign manager contacted him, Sabo said that he "wouldn't be supporting anyone in the race".https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/296916 Retiring congressman gives cold shoulder to likely successor Taiwan News Frommer Frederic J. Associated Press March 11, 2006 April 30, 2021 Sabo donated funds to the general election campaigns of many Minnesota Democrats, including Coleen Rowley, Patty Wetterling, Tim Walz, and Amy Klobuchar, but none to Ellison. Several Democrats were disappointed with Sabo's refusal to endorse Ellison.KSTP http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S19767.html?cat=1 Why hasn't Sabo endorsed Ellison? November 2, 2006 November 21, 2006 May 24, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110524193512/http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S19767.html?cat=1 dead Sabo allowed a picture of himself with Lee to be used in her campaign literature, and in response to this an anonymous individual set up a site designed to look like Lee's campaign website, wherein they accused Sabo of being motivated by racism in his refusal to endorse Ellison.https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/parody-web-site-blasts-sabos-endorsement-lee/ Parody Web site blasts Sabo's endorsement of Lee Twin Cities Daily Planet Keller Bob November 7, 2006 March 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20201024100012/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/parody-web-site-blasts-sabos-endorsement-lee/ October 24, 2020 live This website was later revealed to have been created by activist Chris Stewart, who in 2006 was elected to the Minneapolis Board of Education.https://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2010/02/minneapolis-school-board-member-chris-stewart-wont-run-re-election/ Minneapolis School Board member Chris Stewart won't run for re-election MinnPost Brauer David February 2, 2010 March 26, 2021Chris Stewart https://cura50.umn.edu/chris-stewart Center for Urban and Regional Affairs University of Minnesota 7 February 2025 Debates thumb|Ellison, Fine and Lee debate at Beth El Synagogue on October 17, 2006. There were several debates held over the course of the race, along with numerous forums. On October 17 two debates were held on the same night, one hosted by Air America and one hosted by the Beth El synagogue. All four major candidates on the ballot were invited to the Air America debate, though Fine did not attend.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91572845/two-debates/ Iraq is hot topic in fifth district debate Olson Rochelle Star Tribune October 18, 2006 January 1, 2022 Pond was not invited to the Beth El debate, though he did attend it as a member of the audience, and upon seeing him Ellison and Lee escorted him onto the stage in order for him to participate. However, the debate officials refused to allow him to do so, and Pond returned to his seat.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/zingler-on-5th-district-debate Zingler on 5th District debate MPR News Zingler David Collins Bob October 18, 2006 March 24, 2021 In an analysis of the Beth El debate, journalist and blogger David Zingler stated that Fine was the "least impressive" debater, finding that he was answering questions with "rambling dissertations that border on incoherent". Shortly prior to the fourth debate, which was held by several student groups at the University of Minnesota, Julian Santana, who was running a write-in campaign for the seat as the nominee of the Socialist Workers Party, unexpectedly showed up, and was allowed to participate.https://mndaily.com/204999/news/world/us-house-hopefuls-debate-u-campus/ U.S. House hopefuls debate on U campus Minnesota Daily Blanchard Courtney October 19, 2006 March 26, 2021 Lee was widely regarded as the winner of the debate, though Pond was also regarded as having a strong performance. 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district general election debates No. Number Date & time Host Moderator Link ParticipantsKey:black #90ff90  P  Participant   black #FFFFDD  A  Absent   black #ff9090  N  Non-invitee   Keith Ellison Alan Fine Tammy Lee Jay Pond Julian Santana 1https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/15/midday1 The 5th District debate MPR News Scheck Tom September 15, 2006 March 24, 2021 September 15, 2006 Minnesota Public Radio Gary Eichten P P P N N 2 October 17, 2006 Air America P A P P N 3 October 17, 2006 Beth El Synagogue Esme Murphy P P P N N 4 October 18, 2006 University of Minnesota Joel Kindler P P P P P Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2006 Competitive House Race Chart http://cookpolitical.com/house/charts/race-ratings House: Race Ratings Cook Political Report 6 November 2006 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210001/http://www.cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_house_comp_nov6.pdf 27 September 2007Safe D November 6, 2006 Rothenberg2006 House Ratings http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.com/ratings/house House Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report 6 November 2006 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20061107153417/http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2006/11/2006-house-ratings_06.html 7 November 2006Safe D November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal Ball2006 House http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2006/house/ Sabato's Crystal Ball 6 November 2006 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20061110210331/http://www.centerforpolitics.org:80/crystalball/2006/house/ 10 November 2006Safe D November 6, 2006 Real Clear PoliticsBattle for the House of Representatives http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives-51.html realclearpolitics.com Real Clear Politics 12 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20061109025111/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives-51.html 9 November 2006 7 November 2006Safe D November 7, 2006 CQ PoliticsBalance of Power Scorecard: House http://www.cqpolitics.com/risk_rating_house.html cqpolitics.com Congressional Quarterly Inc 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20061117202830/http://www.cqpolitics.com/risk_rating_house.html 17 November 2006Safe D November 7, 2006 Endorsements Keith Ellison (DFL) Executive officials Walter Mondale, 42nd vice president of the United States; Democratic nominee for president in 1984 Federal officials Jesse Jackson, minister, former shadow U.S. senator from the District of Columbia; Candidate for president in 1984 and 1988 Betty McCollum, U.S. representative from MN-04https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dfl-party-candidates-apprehensive-ellisons-victory/ DFL Party, Candidates Apprehensive of Ellison's Victory Twin Cities Daily Planet September 22, 2006 March 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210315085642/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dfl-party-candidates-apprehensive-ellisons-victory/ March 15, 2021 live State officials Frank Hornstein, state representativehttps://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/22/ellisonprofile Keith Ellison dogged by his past MPR News Scheck Tom June 30, 2006 March 16, 2021 Ember Reichgott Junge, former state senator Phyllis Kahn, state representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative Allan Spear, former state senator, former president of the Minnesota Senate Local officials Amy Klobuchar, county attorney of Hennepin County; 2006 Democratic nominee for U.S. senator from Minnesota R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis Party officials Mike Erlandson, former chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; former chief of staff to Martin Olav Sabohttps://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/09/ellison-comes-away-with-strong-win-in-dfl-primary/ Ellison comes away with strong win in DFL primary Southwest Journal Vanderveen Kari September 25, 2006 March 15, 2021 November 29, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201129223530/https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/09/ellison-comes-away-with-strong-win-in-dfl-primary/ dead Individuals Samuel L. Kaplan, businessman and attorney Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, associate professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas Labor unions AFL-CIO American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Education Association Service Employees International Union Organizations Clean Water Action National Jewish Democratic Council Sierra Club Newspapers and publications Esquirehttps://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a208/esq1106endorsements-192/ Esquire Endorses America Esquire November 1, 2006 July 12, 2021 Minnesota Dailyhttps://mndaily.com/197413/uncategorized/keith-ellison-district-5/ Keith Ellison for District 5 Minnesota Daily November 2, 2006 March 26, 2021 Star Tribunehttp://www.startribune.com/561/story/764051.html https://web.archive.org/web/20061109213709/http://www.startribune.com/561/story/764051.html November 9, 2006 October 25, 2006 Editorial: Ellison, Wetterling, Peterson, Oberstar dead July 12, 2021 Star Tribune Tammy Lee (IM) Federal officials Tim Penny, former U.S. representative from MN-01https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/22/tidbits-from-the-5th Tidbits from the 5th MPR News Collins Bob June 22, 2006 March 24, 2021 State officials Peggy Leppik, former state representative (Republican)https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91573426/star-tribune/ Tammy Lee endorsed by 12 local officials of various parties Star Tribune Olson Rochelle November 1, 2006 January 1, 2022 Jesse Ventura, former governor of Minnesotahttp://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_3366.php Governor Jesse Ventura Endorses Tammy Lee for Congress: Lavender Also Endorses Lee Lavender Magazine October 2017 March 28, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20061101200448/http://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_3366.php November 1, 2006 dead Individuals Steve Minn, businessman Newspapers and publications Lavender Magazine Results 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district electionhttp://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20061107/ElecRslts.asp?M=CG&CD=05 Minnesota Secretary of State, Election Results for 2006 General Election, 5th Congressional District Minnesota Secretary of State December 4, 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100513235856/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20061107/ElecRslts.asp?M=CG&CD=05 May 13, 2010 Keith Ellison Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 136,060 55.56 Alan Fine Republican Party (United States) 52,263 21.34 Tammy Lee Independence Party of Minnesota 51,456 21.01 Jay Pond Green Party (United States) 4,792 1.94 Write-ins Independent (politician) 334 0.14 244,905 100.00 By county County Keith EllisonDFL Alan FineRepublican Tammy LeeIndependence Various candidatesOther parties Margin Total # % # % # % # % # % Anoka (part)9,25345.0%6,38831.1%4,63722.6%2831.4%2,86513.9%20,561 Hennepin (part)126,27356.6%45,50920.4%46,61420.9%4,8192.1%79,65935.7%223,215 Ramsey (part)54247.8%36732.4%20618.2%181.6%17515.4%1,133Totals136,06855.6%52,26421.3%51,45721.0%5,1202.1%83,80434.3%244,909 Reactions Ellison's victory made him the first Muslim member of Congress, as well as the first African-American congressman from Minnesota.Neil MacFarquhar https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/10/us/politics/10muslims.html Muslim's Election Is Celebrated Here and in Mideast The New York Times November 10, 2006 Neil MacFarquhar November 11, 2006 His win was positively received by Muslim communities in the United States, who viewed it as an affirmation of their ability to advance politically.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6127234.stm First Muslim congressman elected BBC News November 8, 2006 March 17, 2021 Incumbent congressman Sabo congratulated Ellison on his victory, stating, "He has a big task in front of him and I wish him well". He cautioned Ellison against letting his high-profile status become a liability.https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/19/sabo Sabo leaves politics as he served: low-key MPR News Scheck Tom December 20, 2006 July 12, 2021 After his victory, Ellison was denounced by users on the salafist message board Al-Hesbah, who deemed him "the first Jewish Muslim that goes to Congress" and "[a] one-way ticket to hell".https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/jihadists-trash-muslim-u-s-rep-article-1.622034 Jihadists trash Muslim U.S. Rep New York Daily News Meek James Gordon November 12, 2006 March 17, 2021 Ellison announced that he would use a Quran when being sworn into his seat, a decision which led to the Quran oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress.Erika Howsare December 19, 2006 Anti-Muslim letter goes out to hundreds - not all are amused http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064431134&ShowArticle_ID=11041812060944420 December 20, 2006 dead Charlottesville Weekly https://web.archive.org/web/20081211214050/http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064431134&ShowArticle_ID=11041812060944420 December 11, 2008 References Further reading Warning: GOP smear campaign just ahead Star Tribune 18A September 15, 2006 Doug Grow Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Doug Grow column Star Tribune September 15, 2006 External links Keith Ellison for Congress Alan Fine for Congress Ellison's Minnesota Public Radio profile Pond's Minnesota Public Radio profile League of Women Voters Debate CD 5 Candidate Forum, October 17 (Minnesota Public Radio) CD 5 Candidate Forum, October 10 (Minnesota Public Radio) CD 5 Candidate Forum, September 21 (Minnesota Public Radio) http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/15889045.htm Controversy gnaws at Ellison lead Pioneer Press https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090435/http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/15889045.htm September 29, 2007 September 28, 2006 2006 05 Minnesota 05 United States House of Representatives 05 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election Minnesota 2006 05