Rep. Ilhan Omar
Ilhan OmarMatt Gaetz, Roger Stone back far right activist Laura Loomer in congressional bid The Hill’s Campaign Report: LIVE: Trump from Gettysburg | The many unknowns of 2020 | Omar among those facing primary challenges ‘This already exists’: Democrats intervene in Trump’s potential executive order on pre-existing circumstances MAY (D-Minn.) Is embroiled in a bitter primary battle against Antone Melton-Meaux as voters head to the polls in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District on Tuesday to decide whether the progressive lawmaker will serve a second term in office.
The Biggest Names in Progressive and Democratic Politics, by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Bernie SandersThe Hill’s Campaign Report: LIVE: Trump from Gettysburg | The many unknowns of 2020 | Omar among those facing Trump’s primary challenges is as much a problem as his performance Sierra Club supports Biden for President MORE (I-Vt.) To speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiTeachers Union launches 0K ad buy calls for funding for education in relief No signs of breakthrough for stalemate talks on coronavirus Managers air frustrations with Trump over unemployment plans MAY (D-Calif.), Support Omar. The state Democratic Party pulls out all the stops to support them, and Omar’s progressive allies march their resources to ensure she is re-elected.
Omar, who rose to national fame as part of the influential group of progressive women of color known as ‘the squad’, emerged as a polarizing figure during her short time in Congress. That has helped Melton-Meaux close some applications and thank its amazing fundraising numbers.
Melton-Meaux raised more than $ 3.2 million last year, compared to $ 470,000 for Omar. Minnesota Democrats say he’s blanking the airwaves with ads and that their mailboxes are full of literature promoting his candidacy.
Those developments forced Omar to go on the offensive against Melton-Meaux and defend himself against his attacks, dragging her into a primary battle that she would have preferred.
Minnesota Democrats, interviewed by The Hill, said it was extremely difficult to look at an official in the primary – especially one with an official like Omar who has universal name recognition and a national profile.
But they note that Melton-Meaux is in the running and could potentially attract a primary day-to-day attendance. He will just need everything to break his way.
“No matter, it’s a race, and it’s been a hard fight,” said former Minnesota Democratic Labor (DFL) party chairman Mike Erlandson.
The race has become boring and personal in the last stretch. Omar published an attack ad against Melton-Meaux, a lawyer and mediator, claiming that the law firm where he once worked was “one of the worst law firms in union-busting in the country.” The ad accuses Melton-Meaux of defending corporations “accused of abusing workers and dismissing pregnant workers.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezThe Campaign Report from the Hill: LIVE: Trump from Gettysburg | The many unknowns of 2020 | Omar among those facing primary challenges Michelle Obama, Sanders, Kasich to be on the first night of the Democratic convention: report lineup of the Democratic convention to include Ocasio-Cortez, Clinton, Warren: MORE (DN.Y.) has sent emails claiming that Melton-Meaux “is supported by Republican super PACs and GOP megadonors who are threatened by the collective power of our Squad.”
Omar’s allies have pointed out reports that some of Melton – Meaux’s money came from out-of-state Republicans who would like to see her removed from office.
A majority of the money raised by both candidates came from outside Minnesota, underscoring the national focus on the race.
Melton-Meaux says the national donations he has received from fundraisers are carried out by groups such as Pro-Israel America and NorPAC who support candidates in both parties.
The state DFL Party, which has a reputation for defending heavily from invaders, has also sought to draw attention to the Melton-Meaux fundraiser, by filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission claiming it was trying to to hide the names of the political vendors working with his campaign.
Melton-Meaux said it was the only way the salesmen would work with him after the Democratic congressional campaign commission threatened to punish companies that work with candidates who challenge challengers.
To return fire, Melton-Meaux went to Omar for sending more than $ 1 million through the political business run by her husband, a political adviser.
Melton-Meaux also criticized Omar’s anti-Israel remarks, which at one point led the Democratic-controlled House to approve a broad resolution condemning bigotry.
He repeatedly attacked Omar for the lack of votes, accusing her of being more concerned about her national political ambitions than about voters in the fifth district.
“We do not need celebrities seeking the spotlight,” Melton-Meaux said at a rally last week. “We need people who are ready to serve you.”
The fight between two people of color in the city where George Floyd was assassinated has at times confused Democrats of Minnesota.
Melton-Meaux, a descendant of slaves, has tried to cast himself as a traditional African-American man who found success through a system that promotes upward mobility. Omar, a Somali refugee, becomes more associated with the progressive left’s interpersonal racial politics.
“There has been a foreign racial element,” said one Democratic strategist. “There is a strange separation in the liberal community here at the moment.”
Omar has undoubtedly won the endorsement game.
Sanders, Pelosi, the Squad members, Sen. Tina Smith
Tina Flint SmithSenate Democrats Demand Answers to Migrants with Child Abuse During Pandemic Cook Political Report Shifts Several Senate Traces to Democrats On The Money: GOP Mulls Extensions Short-Term Unemployment | White House, State Assembly of First Chamber on B for coronavirus testing MORE (D-Minn.), Gov. Tim Walz
Tim Walz (D-Minn.), Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D), the state DFL party, and most of the liberal activists as trade union groups in the state support Omar.
Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison
Keith Maurice EllisonRepublican lawmakers say mask rule in Minnesota hides a violation of state law against identity Vermont has a chance to show how bipartisanship can systematically tackle racism Is Ilhan Omar one and done? Why she could lose the August primary MORE (D), who sits in the House for Omar, also supports her bid for re-election.
Melton-Meaux won the distinction of the editorial staff of Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He also has the support of former Minneapolis NAACP chief and co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Richfield City Council member Edwina Garcia, former U.S. Attorney Andy Luger, Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris and longtime civil rights activist Josie Johnson.
There are a few wild cards to look forward to on the first day.
Minnesota has seen an increase in requests for messages. Campaigns are running to ensure that their voters return e-mail votes amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has wreaked havoc in voting for individuals.
And there’s a very controversial city council race in Ward 6, which has a large East African population. Heavy emergence from those areas could benefit Omar, who began her political career in the state legislature in northeastern Minneapolis.
Early voting has taken a while, so a big question is whether Omar could raise the score before Melton-Meaux made the race competitive.
“We are confident,” said Jeremy Slevin, Omar’s spokesman.
“We campaign hard because elections are more than just winning – they are an opportunity to organize your community behind progressive change and to make people more involved in our democratic process. In the 5th District, we believe in the fact that marginalized votes are given priority. We believe that everyone should have health care, a roof over their heads, and a viable planet. And we believe that this Congress chair is one that belongs to the people and stays with the people. “
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