inneapolis, the most liberal congressional district in the country (thanks to some gerrymandered districts out in Massachusetts and California), has not had good representation in Congress for ages. The retirement of Congressman Sabo opened up the way for whichever Democrat could secure the party nomination. Other parties are non-starters in this district—people always blindly vote for any candidate with a “D” next to his name.

Newly elected Keith Ellison is no different from this pattern. Mr. Ellison has a somewhat shady past, including his association with Louis Farrakhan. But despite this, he is hailed as an example for others, simply because he is the first Muslim elected to Congress. I am sure that his refusal to meet with President Bush (a well-established custom of the current president is to meet with newly elected representatives) is hailed in some quarters as conscientious and “the change this country really needs.”

I support Mr. Ellison’s position on using the Qur’an to be sworn in. The way I see American law, including the First Amendment, the federal government cannot enforce the use of the Bible exclusively. If a holy book is required, a Muslim using a Muslim book seems logical. But his oath will not be worth any more. After all, regardless of what he is using to swear on, he has already sworn allegiance to looney leftism. Don’t expect anything from him but the same old liberal nonsense.