The race to represent Minnesota's 5th congressional district is shaping up to be one of the most heated contests in the 2012 elections. Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison, elected in 2006 as the country's first Muslim congressman, is going to be challenged by anti-Islamist activists criticizing his close relationships with organizations allegedly tied to Hamas. One Republican aspiring to be his challenger, a lawyer named Lynne Torgerson, has made these relationships the centerpiece of her campaign.
In an interview with Canada Free Press, Torgerson said "his views are anti-American" and he's "probably the worst congressman the United States has ever had." She emphasized that she doesn't "hate him or even particularly dislike him" as a person. Ellison accuses his opponents of harboring an anti-Muslim prejudice and of questioning his patriotism without merit.
