Congressman Keith Ellison's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 was a watershed event not only for Minnesota but for our country's relationship with Muslim-majority societies. President Obama pointedly made a reference to Congressman Ellison both in his inaugural speech and during the Cairo speech.

One of the positive outcomes of the trail blazed by Congressman Ellison is the increase in engagement of American Muslims in the political process. Several local Muslim organizations have registered tens of thousands of Minnesota Muslim voters. Prominent candidates have made it a point to reach out to American Muslim voters. Foremost among them are the gubernatorial candidates Matt Entenza and Margaret Anderson Kelliher, both of whom visited local American Muslim communities. Minnesota Muslims, estimated to be 150,000 and one of the fastest growing groups in the state, have benefited greatly in gaining confidence and reassurance that anything is possible in the world's most powerful country and greatest democracy. A minority group that feels empowered and convinced about a place at the table is a powerful feature of a vibrant democracy. It is heartening to see at least seven Minnesota Muslims actively engaged in the political process by running for office in the August primaries - each of them spurred on by our great democratic tradition and a desire to strengthen the ideals that make this country a cynosure of the eyes of the world. American Muslim candidates running for office in Minnesota in the August 2010 primaries are as follows: · Congressman Keith Ellison (Democrat) - seeking re-election in the 5th district · Farheen Hakeem (Green Party) - running for Governor's office · Ikram Ul-Haq - running for a city council seat in Apple Valley · Omar Merhi (Democrat) - running for MN House of Representatives seat, district 51A · Trayshana Thomas (Democrat) - running for State senate, district 67 · Tanweer Janjua - running for a city council seat in Cottage Grove · Hussein Samatar - running for Minneapolis School Board - district 3 Our country's great tradition of inclusion and participation is priceless. At a time when Islamophobic elements are running amok, American Muslim participation in the affairs of the country is the apt response.