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Muslim lawmaker a favourite

Minneapolis: A Minnesota state lawmaker could become the first Muslim elected to U.S. Congress after edging out three rivals for his district's Democratic nomination. Keith Ellison (43) prevailed after overcoming questions about parking tickets, overdue taxes and his ties to the Nation of Islam. Because the district has long been dominated by Democrats, he will be a heavy favourite to win the Minneapolis-area seat in November. Mr. Ellison courted the liberal wing of the Democratic-Farmer-Labour (DFL) Party by comparing himself to the late Senator Paul Wellstone — and many voters responded. Others relished the chance to elect a minority to Congress from Minnesota for the first time; Mr. Ellison is black. ``We came together, all colours, all faiths, all of us,'' a jubilant Mr. Ellison said. ``We said from the very beginning this campaign is about everybody counts.'' — AP

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