Anti-Islam Rhetoric in the Elections: First Take Posted by James Lamond

Abu Aardvark has a great post up about how the anti-Muslim rhetoric played out in this election, and some of the international consequences.  I would like to add to the discussion a quick breakdown of the results of key elections where anti-Muslim rhetoric was front and center:

• Keith Ellison, who was targeted in the campaign by both a group called Americans Against Hate and The Tea Party Nation because “He is the only Muslim member of congress. He supports the Counsel for American Islamic Relations, HAMAS and has helped congress send millions of tax dollars to terrorists in Gaza,” won by more than 40 percentage points (67.8% to 24.2%). (Andre Carson, also a Muslim, also won reelection by more than 20 percentage points (58.7% to 37.8%)).
• Sharron Angle, who played the fear card with claims that Sharia has taken over American cities, lost in Nevada.
• Bruce Braley, who was attacked by his opponent (Benjamin Lange) for not opposing the “victory mosque” won by two percentage points (49.5% – 47.6%).
• Nick Rahall, who is Lebanese American and was targeted by the West Virginia Conservative Foundation (WVCF) for his outreach to the Arab-American community, and by his opponent (Spike Maynard) who ran an ad saying donations to Rahall by the National Association of Arab-Americans PAC, the National Muslims for a Better America PAC and the Arab American Leadership PAC amount to “terrorist ties” and that Rahall is “good for the Middle East, bad for America,”  won with 56% of the vote.
• Carl Paladino, who ran ads denouncing the “Ground Zero mosque” lost by over 25 percentage points in the NY governor’s race.
• Illario Pantano, the candidate for North Carolina’s 7th District, who wrote in the Daily Caller that, “the Cordoba Mosque in Spain symbolized a gateway to Muslim conquest of Western Europe – a conquest which today is unfolding in real time,” lost by almost 8 points.

It was not all one sided.  Renee Elmers, from the North Carolina 2nd district, who ran this ad challenging her opponent to take a position on the "victory mosque," won by a slim margin.  More details should come out as the exit poll results come, but reports from North Carolina say that the issue played in the late summer/early fall, but died down as weeks went on.  There was also the ballot initiative in Oklahoma that blocks judges from considering Islamic or international law when making a ruling - a common issue in Oklahoma.

Comments

[Sale on Ugg Boots]

Nice post.It's all in the eyes and where they are looking~

[Jordan Sneakers]

I read the detail you said,and many good information from life,and I think your life is good and health,so I will try my best to live as yours.thanks for sharing them to me,enjoy yourself and good luck!

[jordan 12]

All sentences are about a little something or someone. The a little something or another person that the sentence is about is called the subject with the sentence. From your weblog, I see that, and study anything I would like. Thanks for sharing.

[weird]

Weird subject to write an article about

[jordans]

i am not totally follower of this,but really impressive.i added this into my subscribe list,and will keep informed for anything related!

[abercrombie and fitch clothing]

This is my first visit to your blog. We are starting a new initiative in the same category of this blog. Your blog gave us important information to act. You did a great job.

[jordans]

one word,impressive.cheap jordan shoes 2010 christmas gift

[stuart]

pandora charms has the designer who has a special inventive mind, ia make it to be the first in the pandora jewellery store .
Just like Elsa said: I design a modelling, certainly must find its essence–This is precisely its work charm is. She designs hollows about the chicken heart shape collar is best-selling in 20 year long time. in 1981, Palo Ma Picasso became pandora chain's designer, she still carried out the design objective of the non-mystery, the creation accessories modelling is succinct: The optional cross, looked that resembles the careless wave ……

[my xbox 360 repair]

i am not totally follower of this,but really impressive.i added this into my subscribe list,and will keep informed for anything related!

[ray ban]

I love this eyeglasses article since it is one of those which truly convey useful ideas.