October 22, 2006
By: Abdirahman Aynte
Fellow, the Center for Independent Media
Minneapolis, MN – (HOL) Senatorial candidates Mark Kennedy, a Republican, and Democrat Amy Klobuchar, made a commitment that they will find a permanent solution to the nagging problems facing money wiring services, widely used by Somali immigrants, and that they will meet with Somalis, if elected, in 90 days.
Speaking to a crowd of about 100 Somalis who gathered at Augsburg College on a chilly Saturday afternoon, both contenders also committed that they will do everything they can to help reduce the backlog of family reunion applications at the State Department, which’s holding up thousands of Somali destitute refugees in camps in East Africa.
Four years ago, late Sen. Paul Wellstone and then challenger Norm Coleman made similar commitments in that same location.
The event was organized by Somali Action Alliance, a voter participation project. Each candidate was asked four questions and then gave a seven minute speech.
What distinguished between Kennedy and Klobuchar is their approach to win the hearts and minds of Somalis, whose vote ascended to national prominence after helping Democrat Keith Ellison win the primary in September.
Kennedy, cognizant that most Somalis are socially conservative, said he shares the “strong family values” with the community.
“I’ll be a strong voice to protect family and life,” he said, drawing a loud applause. “I’d support that marriage be between one man and one woman, and that every life is protected.”
Years ago, he said, he participated in the building of an interest-free house for a Somali family in St. Paul.
“If elected, I’ll go to Africa to understand the problems in your homeland,” he told the crowd.
On her part, Klobuchar, whose posters outnumbered those of her opponent, touted her persecution of two men who were found guilty of murdering two Somali cabdrivers several years ago.
“Those men will be in jail for a long time,” she said.
Her 11-year old daughter, she added, has Somali friends in school.
Kennedy and Klobuchar, who appeared before the community five minutes a part, got creative in greeting the crowd in their religious rite. Klobuchar dazzled the audience by even answering the yes and no questions in Somali.
Some members of the crowd held Kennedy and Ellison signs together—a remarkable mix of unlikely friends and a sign that may help explain the Somali community’s cross-party loyalty.
Hashi (Shafi) Abdi, the executive director of Somali Action Alliance, said that such forum is designed to help the community sort out the complex political system of this country and make a decision conducive to their interests and believes.
“Somalis have their votes as their only power, and they must exercise it,” he said. “It’s also a way to practice democracy and political participation.”
Abdirahman Aynte can be reached at [email protected]
Source: HOL, Oct. 22, 2006