Attorney General Ellison’s office to lead prosecution in death of Daunte Wright

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that he has accepted a request to lead the prosecution against former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, who is currently charged with second-degree manslaughter in the April 11, 2021 Brooklyn Center death of Daunte Wright. The request comes from Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman after the Washington County Attorney’s Office, who charged Ms. Potter, returned the case to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, who is the manager of the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s Office and was a presenting attorney in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, will supervise the case. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will provide staff to the Attorney General’s prosecution team. Attorney General Ellison, who led the prosecution of Mr. Chauvin, will actively assist. The first step, reviewing the evidence and charges laid against Ms. Potter, is already underway.

Attorney General Ellison released the following statement:

Daunte Wright was a son, a brother, a father, a friend. When he died, he was only 20 years old. He had his whole life ahead of him.

Daunte Wright’s death was a tragedy. He should not have died on the day that he did. He should not have died the way that he did. His parents, brothers, sisters, and friends must now live the rest of their lives without him. His son, only two years old, will grow up without his father. I have privately expressed my condolences and sorrow to the family and expect to work with them closely throughout the proceedings.

The community of Brooklyn Center and people across Minnesota also continue to grieve Daunte’s death. I join them in that grieving. His death is a loss to all of us.

I did not seek this prosecution and do not accept it lightly. I have had, and continue to have, confidence in how both County Attorney Orput and County Attorney Freeman have handled this case to date. I thank County Attorney Orput for the solid work he and his office have done, and I thank County Attorney Freeman once again for his confidence in my office. I appreciate their partnership as my office takes the lead on this case.

Prosecutors are ministers of justice. This means we must and will follow justice wherever it leads. I promise the Wright family and all Minnesotans that I will handle this prosecution responsibly and consistent with the law, and that I will be guided by the values of accountability and transparency.

No one, however, should expect this case will be easy to prosecute. History shows that this case, like all cases of officer-involved deaths by deadly force, will be difficult.

We are not destined to repeat history. Once again, we in Minnesota find ourselves at a moment where a deadly-force encounter with police has galvanized our grief and focused our attention. If prosecutors ensure that prosecutions are vigorous and swift, if legislators at every level pass long-overdue reforms, if police leadership demonstrates misconduct has no place in the profession, and if community continues to keep up the cry for justice, we will break the cycle of history and establish a new standard for justice.

Full Video: AG Keith Ellison Speaks After Derek Chauvin Found Guilty

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison delivered a statement after fired Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd.

Minnesota attorney general to take over prosecutions in George Floyd's death

Minnesota's governor appointed state Attorney General Keith Ellison on Sunday to lead the prosecution of any cases arising from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Ellison's appointment as lead prosecutor shortly after the Hennepin County prosecutor said he had asked Ellison to "assist" in the investigation, two days after 10 members representing Minneapolis in the state House asked Walz in a letter to transfer the case to Ellison.

"Unfortunately, our constituents, especially constituents of color, have lost faith in the ability of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to fairly and impartially investigate and prosecute these cases," the letter said.

"This decision is one that I feel takes us in that direction and the step to start getting the justice for George Floyd," Walz said.

SOURCE: NBC NEWS]

Minnesota AG, Keith Ellison says black residents have reason to fear police

During a Fox News interview Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison supported protesters in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and said black people have reason to fear Minneapolis police

“There is a history that has been repeated time and time again,” he said. “I want to say that many officers are great people. I know so many of them and I think the chief is an extraordinary person, and the mayor and the council deserve a lot of credit for appointing Mr. [Medaria] Arradondo. But it is an endemic problem in the Minneapolis Police Department.”

Ellison said that at least some of the blame for the problems rests with Minneapolis Police Federation President Bob Kroll, who he claimed “undermines good order in the department.”

Keith Ellison wins attorney general race in Minnesota

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) narrowly defeated Republican Doug Wardlow to become Minnesota’s next attorney general, after a bitter campaign rocked by allegations of abuse from the congressman’s ex-girlfriend. With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Ellison led Wardlow, a former state legislator, by more than 100,000 votes.

“We never thought this was in the bag, and it was a dog fight from the very beginning,” Ellison told supporters in Minneapolis. “There were challenges along the way and you know, we just kept on pushing.”

Ellison, the first Muslim to win election to statewide office, jumped into the race just five months ago, after incumbent Lori Swanson launched an unsuccessful campaign for governor. A leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Ellison said he could become a crusading attorney general, using the office to challenge the Trump administration in court, take on big business, and protect women’s rights.

Ellison’s win appeared to be part of a sweep for Minnesota Democrats, who easily held onto the governor’s office, won every statewide race, and flipped the state House.

[SOURCE: WASHINGTON POST]

Keith Ellison wins Minnesota Attorney General nomination

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison won the Democratic Farmer Labor Party primary for Minnesota attorney general Tuesday and will face Republican Doug Wardlow in the November election.

Five Democrats were competing to be their party’s pick in the primary, which came days after an allegation of domestic violence emerged against Ellison. He has denied his ex-girlfriend’s claim, and went on to a decisive victory.

“We had a very unexpected event at the end of this campaign that happened,” Ellison told supporters at Nomad World Pub in Minneapolis. “I want to assure you that it is not true and we are going to keep on fighting all the way.”

The Democrats had a short but fiercely contested primary race. Attorney General Lori Swanson announced in June she would run for governor instead of seeking re-election, leaving two months for candidates to distinguish themselves. Ellison was competing with state Rep. Debra Hilstrom, former Ramsey County Attorney Tom Foley, former state Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minneapolis attorney and DFL endorsee Matt Pelikan.

The election of Minnesota’s next chief legal officer landed in the spotlight with Ellison in the race and an increased focus by Democrats on using the office to challenge President Donald Trump.

Ellison has been one of the most outspoken candidates on fighting Trump administration policies. He has represented Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and some western suburbs, for 12 years and previously served in the Legislature. He is deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee and was the first Muslim member of Congress.

[SOURCE: STAR TRIBUNE]

Rep. Keith Ellison To Boycott NFL Over Anthem Protest Policy

Despite being a NFL fan U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison says he will be boycotting the NFL this season in the wake of the league’s new policy on kneeling during the national anthem.

The Democrat from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District announced his boycott on Twitter, saying that he won’t be watching as long as league owners penalize on-field protests.

I’m a massive football fan, but I will not be watching the NFL if they keep the kneeling ban in place. I hope the owners realize that freedom of expression is as American as you can get. https://t.co/6irkWfGxcK

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 1, 2018

Keith Ellison: Trump should be banned from Twitter

During an interview with TMZ, Minnesota congressman and DNC deputy chair Keith Ellison stated that he believes that Twitter should ban Trump for his abusive behavior towards others and violations of Twitter's policies. Listen to his comments below:

Newly elected DNC chair appoints Ellison DNC deputy chair

Newly elected DNC chairman Tom Perez started off his term with a show of party unity by appointing Keith Ellison as DNC deputy chair. In the interest of full disclosure I supported Ellison but am now fully behind Perez because party unity is the ONLY way forward. Congratulations to both men and I believe that both will be successful in leading the Democratic Party back to prominence.

From thehill.com

Tom Perez used his first motion as chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Saturday to appoint his top rival for the position, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), as deputy chair of the DNC.

"I would like to begin by making a motion, it is a motion that I have discussed with a good friend, and his name is Keith Ellison," Perez said during his acceptance speech, announcing the appointment.

"Did I hear a second?" asked Perez, the former Labor secretary during the Obama administration.

"Second!" the DNC audience shouted.

Ellison and Perez embraced. When Ellison took to the mic, he congratulated Perez for "successfully passing his first motion" and called on his supporters to back the new DNC chairman.

“We don’t have the luxury to walk out of this room divided,” Ellison said during his speech. “If we waste even a moment of going at it over who supported who, we are not going to be standing up for those people."

Keith Ellison: Trump has already done things that rise to the level of impeachment

During last night's CNN Democratic National Committee Chair debate Keith Ellison made a provocative comment in which he stated hat he believed Trump had already committed impeachable offenses. Listen to that comment below:

Keith Ellison: Why I want to be DNC Chair

Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, a nominee for DNC Chair sent out an email explaining why he wants to be DNC Chair. Read that email below.

People have asked me why I want to be DNC Chair and spend my days warring with the Trump administration.

The answer is simple. I want to do it for every mom out there who can’t get paid time off to take care of a sick child.

For every dad looking at his bills, worried that if the ACA is repealed, his family won’t be able to pay for health insurance.

For every high school kid who dreams of going to college, and his parents who stay up nights trying to figure out how to pay for it.

For every worker with two or three minimum wage jobs who still can’t make ends meet.

For every immigrant worried about being torn from their family and forced back to a country where they are oppressed and in danger.

For every American who makes something, teaches something, takes care of someone else, works full-time and still lives paycheck-to-paycheck.

These are the people the Trump administration ignores. These are the people that the Democratic Party stands for. And these are the people that I want to fight for every single day as Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

The election is happening one week from this Saturday, and as we roll down the home stretch we want to make a statement about our grassroots support.

I want to unite the Democratic Party, set forth a platform that proves to hard-working Americans of all backgrounds that we have their back, and stop the Trump administration from destroying the America we love.

I need you with me.

Thank you.

Keith

Authorized and Paid for by Ellison for Congress

Ellison for Congress
P.O. Box 6072
Minneapolis, MN 55406 

Interview with Jaime Harrison: Candidate for National Democratic Committee Chairman

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

While most of us may have heard that both Keith Ellison and Thomas Perez are vying to become DNC chairman, many more of us aren't aware of other candidates running for that position. One such candidate is South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison. Once I became aware that he was running I reached out to him via Twitter to set up a interview and he quickly responded to my request. Check out my interview with Chairman Jaime Harrison on why he believes that he is the right person to be DNC chair below.

George Cook African American reports: Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on Jaime Harrison.

Jaime Harrison: I think I understand the challenges of so many Americans who feel disconnected and disaffected, because I grew up under similar circumstances. I understand we have to grow the Democratic Party from the ground up at the in every community.

I was born to a teen mom in rural South Carolina. My mom would often have to travel to Atlanta to find work. During those times, I was largely raised by my grandparents.

While my family struggled economically, they poured all of their resources into providing me with the best life possible. My childhood memories are not of struggle and poverty—they are memories of comic books, my grandmother’s lima beans and ham hocks, and the loving relatives who worked tirelessly to provide me with the opportunities they were not afforded.

I did whatever it took to make sure I made the most of my opportunities—whether it was thumbing through comic books and my grandparents’ bills to improve my reading skills, or studying furiously to try to impress my teachers.

My hard work and my family’s sacrifice paid off when, after months of walking to the mailbox to check for that thick, yellow envelope, I was accepted to Yale University—making me the first person in my family to attend college.

At Yale, I struggled initially. My first semester, I found myself well behind the other students, many of whom came from elite prep schools and wealthy families. But after a rough start, I put in the extra time and work and watched my grades slowly, but surely, trend upward.

Throughout my career, I have worked to provide mentorship and guidance and create opportunity for young people in the same situation where I began. After graduating from Yale, I returned to South Carolina to teach 9th grade social studies at my alma mater, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

In 1999, I moved to Washington, DC to become the COO of College Summit, a national non-profit dedicated to helping low-income students get into college. And after graduating from law school at Georgetown, I joined the staff of Congressman James E. Clyburn, my hometown Congressman.

Under Congressman Clyburn, I served as Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus and as Floor Director for the House Majority Whip. During my time as Floor Director, I was responsible for securing 218 votes to pass every piece of legislation that came to the House floor. The House passed the most progressive agenda in a generation, including a minimum wage increase, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and legislation withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. And we never lost a party-line vote.

After I leaving Capitol Hill, I joined the Podesta Group, working on transportation and other issues from racial reconciliation to deepening Charleston Harbor.

In 2013, following my return to South Carolina, I was elected Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. As Chair, I have overseen successful initiatives such as the John Spratt Issues Conference, James E. Clyburn Political Fellowship, the 2016 First in the South Democratic Primary, and SC Democrats Care.

I live in Columbia with my wife Marie, a law professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and our 2-year-old son. He is my biggest motivation for bringing Democrats back into power so we can build the country that all children deserve, where everyone has the opportunities like I did to live the American Dream.

George Cook African American reports:Why are you running for DNC chair? what can you bring that other candidates can not?

Jaime Harrison: I am running for DNC Chair because we need to rebuild our Party from the grassroots in every community in America. With Trump and the Republicans in full control of the federal government and dominant in the states, the stakes for our country could not be higher. I believe I have a unique set of skills and experiences that will serve the DNC well.

As a State Party Chair in a red state, I know the struggles that each State Party encounters. I know what it’s like to fight to keep the doors open, meet a payroll each month, and conduct effective party building efforts. In 2018, have several U.S. Senate and governor's races in states that Donald Trump won in 2016. To win, strong State Parties will be essential. I know what we need to do to improve.

I also have experience in Washington, DC and with uniting diverse group of Democrats. As I mentioned earlier, as Floor Director for Majority Whip Clyburn, I had to corral 218 votes to pass every piece of legislation we brought to the floor for a vote. In the 110th Congress (which had a Democratic majority from every part of the country thanks to Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy), the Democratic Caucus was incredibly diverse with regard to ideology, region, and ethnicity. There was little margin for error, but we never lost a party-line vote during my time as Floor Director. I know I can unite the Democratic Party now because I've done it before.

I know what it takes to build an organization from the ground up. When I was 23 years old, I started working at College Summit, a non-profit organization that helps low-income students go to college. When I started as COO, there were four of us in one office in Washington. Over the next decade, as COO and then as a member of the Board of Directors, I helped College Summit expand nationwide to serve thousands of students. President Obama even donated a portion of his Nobel Peace Prize award to the organization.

George Cook African American reports: What would be your top three priorities as chairman?

Jaime Harrison: My top three priorities are reinvesting in State Parties with a revitalized 50-State Strategy; re-connecting the Democratic Party with our communities; and protecting and enhancing our democracy.

In 2006 and 2008, we took back Congress and the presidency because of Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy. But then we abandoned it. As Chair, I will invest in all 50 State Parties (plus those in the territories and Democrats Abroad) by increasing the State Partnership Program to $12,000 a month and easing restrictions on how that money is spent. I will also ensure that we provide State Parties with professional and specialized operations, capabilities, and in-kind services on a permanent basis through regional Caucus hubs, i.e., provide political, press, fundraising, and tech staff dedicated to serve state parties in each region.

If we want to rebuild people's trust in the Democratic Party, we can't just tell people we care about improving their lives; we have to show them. We can no longer be a political organization looking for votes every two or four years; we must become a community organization working in our neighborhoods with grassroots activists addressing the day-to-day issues faced by middle and working class voters.

Relatedly, we need candidates and Party activists who come from every community. In South Carolina, we have established the Clyburn Fellowship, bringing together dynamic young leaders from throughout our state to participate in a rigorous nine-month training program to prepare them to run for office, manage campaigns, and lead local parties. The DNC must ensure that similar programs exist nationwide to groom candidates who can speak to the concerns of their constituents.

Our democracy is threatened on a number of fronts, and the DNC must lead the fight on all of them. We must back against the Republicans' undemocratic and un-American efforts to suppress voting. We must fight to overturn Citizens United and related cases and enact real reform to get big money out of politics. As we fight, I will cultivate small-dollar donors to the Democratic Party at every level. The DNC must fight Republican gerrymandering, so that voters pick their politicians, not the other way around. We have to fix the undemocratic Electoral College so that the candidate with the most votes wins.

We need to start improving our democracy now—in states where Democrats are in control, we should create laboratories for democracy so that every eligible voter has access to a meaningful ballot. In fighting assaults on our democracy, as with all of these fights, can't just be reactive; we have to be proactive.

George Cook African American reports: Where can readers find out more about you?

You can visit my website, jaimefordncchair.com, and find me on Twitter at @harrison4DNC and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaimeforDNC. Your suggestions and feedback are welcome!

This interview does not constitute an endorsement of Chairman Harrison by either George L. Cook III or African American Reports

Three political stories for Democrats to watch in 2017

By George L. Cook III African American Reports.

In 2017 the biggest political story will, of course, be the first year of Donald Trump's presidency. While that is important, there are other political stories that could impact Democrats going forward. Stories about the Obamas, California Senator-Elect Kamala Harris, and Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison. Read my thought on the three stories I feel will be important below.

Story #1: What will the Barack and Michelle Obama do?

One big question we should all have is what will the Obamas do once President Obama steps down. Will they take some time to just relax or will they get back involved in politics immediaetly? If they do get involved will they use their immense popularity to help Democrats on the national level or more on the local level in an attempt to win back state legislatures. Will they spend more time trying to build up a relatively weak Democratic bench or primarily fund raise. Maybe they will do all of those things or maybe none. It will be very interesting to see how involved these two remain.

Story #2: Will Kamala Harris live up to the hype?

There is no doubting that California Senator-Elect Kamala Harris is a great politician...on the state level. The question has to be will she live up to the hype and praise that several Democratic leaders such as President Obama have heaped upon her? She obviously has all the tools but does she know how to use them on a bigger stage. Another question would be is she ready as a first year US Senatorto accept the role of party savior that some have cast her in. We shall see, although I feel she will do just fine in her first year.

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Story #3: Will Keith Ellison become DNC chair?

This story could have big implications for Democrats for years to come. Will the ultra progressive Keith Ellison win in his bid to become Democratic National Committee Chairmen? If he does win will he and be able to build up the party to include those progressives who feel that their voices are not being heard by the more traditional Democrats and keep traditional Dems on board? Will he be able to map out a plan help win back seats at all levels from school board, municipal, county, state, and national.

we can't ignore the elephant in the room which is his past ties to the Nation of Islam. While Democrats may accept Ellison's statements on that time in his life over 20 years ago, and the fact that he stepped away from the NOI Republicans are not going to let it go that easy. They will make sure Ellison wears that albatross around his neck.

I believe that Ellison will do a good job if elected but the question is will he be elected?

Those are three stories that will in many ways shape the year that Democrats will have in 2017 and hopefully shape things for the best.

Happy New Year!

By George L. Cook III African American Reports.

Nation of Islam not happy with Keith Ellison

In a move they may actually help Keith Ellison in his bid to become DNC chair, the Nation of Islam has written an editorial that condemns Ellison for what the organization claims is his smearing of Minister Louis Farrakhan. Read that editorial below.

Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison is seeking to lead the Democratic National Committee as the party seeks someone to bring Democrats into the political Promised Land. There is nothing wrong with Rep. Ellison’s desire to move his party forward or his desire to help make America progress.

But he must be condemned and lambasted for trying to make his political bones by smearing the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. The Minnesota congressman has been attacked for a connection with the Nation of Islam years ago, while in college and for support of the Million Man March.

The Anti-Defamation League and others have branded Rep. Ellison as unfit for office, saying he is tainted by the anti-Semitism of Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. Given that neither the Minister nor the Nation are anti-Semitic, a man with principles and courage would have stood up on the truth, the track record and the history of the Minister and his followers. Over the past 40 years, the Nation and the Minister have not harmed nor prohibited any Jewish person from exercising their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It was not Muslims who chanted in the 1980s, “Who do you want? Farrakhan! How do you want him? Dead!” as the Jewish Defense Organization did. It was not the Nation of Islam nor the Minister who were involved in a 1990s alleged death plot featuring Jewish federal stooge Michael Fitzpatrick. Mr. Fitzpatrick seized on the pain and vulnerability of Quibilah Shabazz, a daughter of Malcolm X, and federal authorities charged her with planning the murder of the Minister. It was the Minister whose blast of truth shook the feds as he declared the FBI has never been his friend. The Minister declared he wanted nothing to happen to Malcolm X widow Dr. Betty Shabazz, or her daughters and pulled the covers off of an old enemy, while seeking reconciliation. His stand was so incredible the feds essentially dropped the charges against Qubilah Shabazz and a rapprochement between the Nation and Dr. Shabazz started. She was featured as one of the speakers of the 1995 Million Man March. The prosecutors in this fiasco, by the way, were located in Rep. Ellison’s home state of Minnesota.

Mr. Ellison, who was captured in at least one photo distributing The Final Call while in college, condemned the Minister as he sought his new place. But his cowardly and baseless repudiation is nothing new. While running for Congress a decade ago, his “I’m not with Farrakhan and he’s a hater” narrative started.

But let’s go back and examine words published in the Nov. 6, 1995 edition of Insight News, a Black weekly in Minneapolis: “Third, Minister Farrakhan is a role model for Black youth; however he is not an anti-Semite. He is a sincere, tireless and uncompromising advocate of the Black community and other oppressed peoples in America and around the world. Despite some of the most relentless negative propaganda anyone has ever faced, most Black people regard him as a role model for youth and increasingly, a central voice for our collective aspirations.

“I am sensitive to members of the Jewish community who have been lead to believe that Minister Farrakhan is anti-Jewish. I believe they should do two things: engage in a dialogue with Black people who support Minister Farrakhan (which includes Cornel West, Jesse Jackson, Ben Chavis, Dorothy Height and many others) and urge their leadership to engage in the dialogue proposed at the Million Man March.

“The White community, however, must come to the realization that there are too many Black people who have been cleaned-up, taught and uplifted by Minister Farrakhan for us to let anyone gratuitously insult him anymore.”

That’s pretty powerful language and a powerful argument penned by one Keith X Ellison. Yes. That’s the same Rep. Keith Ellison who represents the Fifth Congressional District in Minnesota and seeks to chair the Democratic National Committee. He was also once known as Keith Ellison-Muhammad.

If Mr. Ellison once believed those things about the Minister and changed his mind, that’s his business. We will leave Allah (God) to judge and handle the hypocrites. But what cannot be tolerated are the lies, the slander and false narrative against Min. Farrakhan. These lies cannot be proven, nor can these false charges be sustained. The Minister has been a strong voice for Black self-determination, a warrior against Jewish paternalism and control of Black people and a sledge hammer against the wall of White supremacy and neo-colonialism. None of that work would make him the favorite of a system or wicked people whose demonic rule he is working to destroy.

But Mr. Ellison knows better. Years ago sitting in my Chicago office here at The Final Call, when I was managing editor, there was no question about Min. Farrakhan and who he was. There was no question when Mr. Ellison, aka Keith X Ellison, aka Keith Ellison-Muhammad, came to Chicago for an urban peace summit in October 1993 that featured Min. Farrakhan, or a vital summit in Kansas City that included Min. Farrakhan as the major speaker and one who helped legitimize the anti-violence movement in April 1993.

The problem comes from a simple place: “All of you that want national and state prominence: Sometimes I am the ‘litmus test’ to see if White folk can do anything good for you. And some of you are so weak and so cowardly, that your desires mean more than the integrity of your being. But every time I forgave my brothers, and kept moving forward,” observed Min. Farrakhan in a message delivered Oct. 30.

The Minister’s forgiveness and willingness to suffer insults apparently has led some to think that there is no end to his patience and smearing him is acceptable— just come back and apologize in the dark later. No. This man’s life’s work, his status as a vibrant elder and indispensable leader in our community cannot and must not allow that. Mr. Ellison and those who would misuse the Minister’s name for their personal advancement must be confronted and their hypocrisy and cowardice must be condemned. How can Rep. Ellison speak of justice for the poor, a just U.S. foreign policy, social change that improves the lives of people and respect for all and denigrate a man who has worked to achieve those goals for longer than the congressman has been alive?

Shame on you Mr. Ellison for your pandering and shame on us if we don’t call you out for it.

[SOURCE]

Ellison leaves open possibility he'd leave Congress for DNC post

Rep. Keith Ellison left open the possibility Friday night that he will leave Congress, and his seat representing Minneapolis, to take the top job at the Democratic National Committee.

Speaking at a forum in Denver to state Democratic Party chairs from across the country, Ellison said the DNC job is more important than his congressional seat, though he continued to insist that he could do both jobs simultaneously.

“Though I love being in Congress because it allows me to serve my neighbors, I do think that it is more important to build, strengthen the DNC,” Ellison said. He added that he is continuing to have conversations with DNC voting members and will decide what to do soon.

[SOURCE]

Rep. Keith Ellison On Why He Deserves To Be DNC Chairman

Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, who is running for DNC chair went on NPR's Morning Edition to discuss why he should be the chair and what he hopes to do if elected chair. Ellison also addresses the issues with comments he made about the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan. Check out his interview with Morning Edition host David Greene below.

Keith Ellison formally announces his bid for DNC Chair

Congressman Keith Ellison (Minn) has formally announced his bid to run for chair of the Democratic National Committee. He already has the endorsements of U.S Senators like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and other members of congress John Conyers, and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Read his statement below and learn more about Ellison's campaign for the DNC chair here: https://keithfordnc.org/:

Democrats win when we harness the power of everyday people and fight for the issues they care about. It is not enough for Democrats to ask for voter's support every two years. We must be with them through every lost paycheck, every tuition hike, and every time they are a victim of a hate crime. When voters know what Democrats stand for, we can improve the lives of all Americans, not matter what race, religion, or sexual orientation.

To do that, we must begin the rebuilding process now.

This election cycle, we did not motivate enough people to the ballot box. we must champion the challenges of working families and give voters a reason to show up at the polls in 2018 and beyond. We must build a bench not just for federal candidates, but for state and local candidates across the nation.

We also need a robust party organization in every state that prioritizes voter relationships over everything else. we must invest in and empower our state and local parties by creating effective field operations, an enhanced and advanced voter file, and a culture of collaboration between candidates at every level. Let's put voters first.

I am proud to announce my candidacy for Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and if given the opportunity to serve, I will work tirelessly to make the Democratic Party an organization that brings us together and advances an agenda that improves people's lives.

Congressman Keith Ellison Considering Running For DNC Chair

Well, the post-election intrigue has started in the Democratic Party after a devastating election day in which Republicans took the presidency and held on to both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. After the horrible handling of the debates and the email leaks under Debbie Wasserman Shultz and the sad revelations about Donna Brazile leaking debate questions to Hillary Clinton, several Democrats are discussing vying to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee. One of those people is Minnesota Congressman and hardcore progressive Keith Ellison.

Rep. Keith Ellison, a leading progressive voice in Congress and one of only two Muslim Americans in the House of Representatives, has his eyes on becoming the next chair of the Democratic National Committee.

The Minnesota Democrat has been planning a run for weeks, and has begun informally talking to other party lawmakers and insiders about his prospects for the post, several sources have told The Huffington Post.

His name was floated as a possible DNC chair by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday morning, giving him the type of institutional progressive support that would make his candidacy formidable. MoveOn.org, a major progressive network, also said in a statement that Ellison would be “an excellent DNC chair.”

Ellison’s identity as a black man and the first Muslim member of Congress would serve as a symbolic rebuke to President-elect Donald Trump. And his ties to Sanders would give him credibility in the progressive community that feels the party has catered too much to elite interests. He is also regarded as a savvy television presence ― which seems likely to be a major requirement for the job in the age when Democrats are out of power in every branch of government.

Read more: Congressman Keith Ellison Wants To Run The DNC

Rep. Keith Ellison: Arrest the Officer Who Killed Philando Castile

Rep. Keith Ellison has joined the call for the arrest of the officer who killed Philando Castile during an interview with Democracy Now. Watch that interview segment below.

Congressman's mom tells him to go join Democrat's sit in

Here is a clear example of no matter how important you may be that Ma still gets the last word. Congressman Keith Ellison was in a meeting when the John Lewis led sit in started in congress. He received this note ( a note which I believe was edited by the staffer to get the phrase "your ass" out of it) from his mom through a staffer.

Minutes latter Congressman Ellison posted the following tweet:

Sitting in on House Floor against Gun violence & Majority's unwillingness to protect Americans from slaughter. pic.twitter.com/SvZ5cV45nn

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 22, 2016