Photo by Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia Commons
Rep. Keith Ellison – the first Muslim American member of Congress – is now the front runner in the competition to lead the Democratic National Committee – after former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, quit the race.
Senator Bernie Sanders is among leading supporter of Minnesota congressman’s bid to be leader of the DNC – as Democrats search for new leadership after Hillary Clinton’s stunning loss to President-elect Donald Trump in November 8 election.
Representing self-examination among Democrats, Dean also believes that the the Democratic Party should “turn itself over to the next generation.”
South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison and New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley are the other tow contenders for chairmanship of the party, which is to be decided in February.
Meanwhile, responding to criticism of his past position on US policy toward the Middle East, Ellison, 53, has delcared in an open letter that he is committed to Israel’s security as well as a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The progressive African American politician has also addressed media questions about his past association with the Nation of Islam.
The DNC leadership is considered critical to the future prospects of Democratic Party as it has been losing elections to Republicans at state level and is also faced with questions over dealing with issues like economic populism, identity politics, generational gaps and appeal to the White working class.
If elected, Ellison will have to grapple with these key questions as well as issues facing immigrants and American Muslims in the wake of campaign rhetoric.
