After decisively winnning the DFL endorsement and the primary, Keith Ellison will surely win on November 7 and go to Washington to be the 5th District Congressman. But the road to victory has not been easy and we have to ask ourselves why that is. Keith is a skilled state legislator with a proven record of accomplishment. His progressive politics are in line with the people of the 5th: firm and early opposition to the war in Iraq, commitment to universal health care, and strong stands on environmental protection, civil and human rights, and public education. Besides that he is just a wonderful person, able to connect with lots of people. He has been able to build a coalition that looks like the fifth district.

Despite his accomplishments and "fit" with the district, the campaign has at times been brutal. Keith has been subjected to subtle and not-so-subtle racism and religious intolerance not only from the right-wing, but from his own party. It has revealed a very unseemly side of Minnesota politics, especially within his own party. I am excited to vote for Keith on Tuesday and look forward to repudiating the politics of fear and hate that have emerged from his opponents. My vote on Tuesday will help to make history and that feels terrific!