August 28, 2008
Muslims say they find welcome at Democrats’ party
By David Finnigan

DENVER -- While presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama battles false rumors that he's Muslim, Muslim leaders here say the Democratic National Committee is welcoming their rising profile in the party. As Democratic National Convention draws to a close tonight with Obama's official acceptance of the nomination, faith has assumed a new prominence in the party's proceedings. Just as Democrats have shone a spotlight on evangelical and and Catholic progressives, they've also highlighted the small-but-growing number of Muslim Democrats. Party bigwigs have attended American Muslim caucus meetings, Muslim leaders have bestowed benedictions on delegates, and Muslim congressmen have rubbed elbows with rank-and-file community activists. "The Muslim community in America is a surging political force," said Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., who last year became the first Muslim to serve in Congress.