myVote: Candidate profile

Keith Ellison

Published Monday, October 27 04:01:26 PM

Office:

Minnesota District 5 U.S. representative

Other candidates in this race:

Party:

DFL

Incumbent:

Yes

City of residence:

Minneapolis

Background:

U.S. representative; attorney; B.S., Wayne State University, 1986; J.D., University of Minnesota, 1990; former Minnesota state legislator; former executive director, Legal Rights Center; co-founder, Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota; married, four children.

Endorsements:

AFL-CIO; ACORN; Education Minnesota; Minnesota Nurses Association; Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association; Human Rights Campaign; Planned Parenthood; SEIU Minnesota State Council; TakeAction Minnesota; Teamsters DRIVE.

Most important issue:

When I first ran for Congress, I wanted to advance four principles: peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability and civil and human rights. We've made progress, but we have far to go. I wish to continue the good work we've done. The American people are hungry for change. My campaign has focused on helping people find their political voice. With their energy and engagement, we can end the war in Iraq, revitalize our economy by reinvesting the dollars we're wasting in Iraq, care for our environment, and restore and extend civil and human rights everywhere.

More information:

Candidate website

Views:

Candidates were asked to respond to statements on five policy issues. They were given seven options: "Strongly agree", "Somewhat agree", "Have mixed feelings", "Somewhat disagree", "Strongly disagree", "Have no opinion" and "Do not wish to respond."

Removing barriers to increased domestic oil production - by, for example, lifting restrictions on off-shore exploration and drilling - should be the federal government's top priority in responding to high gasoline prices.	Strongly disagree
The United States should set a specific timetable for complete withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq.	Strongly agree
The so-called Bush tax cuts now scheduled to expire in 2010 should be made permanent for all taxpayers.	Strongly disagree
The federal government should guarantee health insurance coverage for all Americans.	Strongly agree
Additional revenue from fees or taxes should be raised to shore up America's transportation infrastructure, because eliminating waste and better prioritizing existing resources won't be enough.	Strongly agree