Hamtramck Muslim politicians in the mainstream

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070808/NEWS02/70808042/0/NEWS02

Muslims garner 2 of top 3 spots on Hamtramck council ballot
August 8, 2007

By NIRAJ WARIKOO

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

In a display of their emerging political power, Muslims were two of the top three vote-getters in Tuesday’s primary election in Hamtramck for City Council.

Shahab Ahmed, an incumbent, received 574 votes, the most out of 12 candidates on the ballot. Delawar Mohamed Hussain came in third, with 428 votes...

“It’s very noteworthy because not only does it reflect the changing demographics, but it also shows that Muslim politicians can appeal to voters outside their religious group,” said Dawud Walid, head of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “A Muslim can’t be elected in Hamtramck just by depending on Muslims alone supporting them.”(MORE)