Second Muslim Elected to Congress
Democrat Andre Carson -- who describes himself as an "orthodox, secular, universal Muslim" - won Tuesday's special election to succeed his grandmother, the late U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, and fill out the final 10 months of her term.
The IndyStar.com reports that Carson defeated Republican Jon Elrod 54-43 percent in the battle for Indiana's 7th District. But Carson's struggles are not over. The Star reports that he faces a tough fight in the May 6th Democratic primary, and then another campaign in the fall to become the full-time member for the district and "be more than a footnote to his grandmother's legacy."
Carson's faith was an issue for some during the campaign, the Star also reports.
"And although much has been made of his faith as a Muslim -- as well as the fact that controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan was among those who eulogized Carson's grandmother at her funeral -- Carson said his campaign had benefited from volunteers who crossed all age, racial, religious and social backgrounds."
Carson said in a recent interview that he is not a member of the Nation of Islam, not does he attend one of its mosques.
Elrod declined to concede Tuesday night's special election, saying he would wait until all the votes are counted. He also faces two Republican opponents on May 6th in his ongoing battle for become the first Republican to hold the district since 1975.
8:57 AM ET | 03-12-2008 | permalink
