Think about this: would we feel the same if he was an Iraqi-American or an Iraqi immigrant? Ellison, my congressman was a raised a Catholic and is a convert also?

I guess this is just the beginning…heaven help us all.

Sounds like more fear mongering headlines.Didnt the Crusades get enough people killed in the name of religion.Religion is still the opiate of weak-minded people with a need for self-importance.I dont see any of these religions living up to what Jesus or any of the supposed Prophets taught.

I think Keith Ellison is the one that folks are confusing with Barack. When he entered the House of Representatives, he was sworn on the Koran, not Obama.

Congrats to Mr. Carson, because religeon shouldn't matter.

Congrats to Barack Obama for your win last night. Now on to Pennsylvania.

Obama 08

I live in Indiana and watch the local news every night, and this national news report is the first time I've seen mention of Andre Carson's religion. This special election was held to replace his grandmother, Julia Carson, who died a couple of months ago. She was beloved in her community as a person and as a congresswoman. The district is reliably Democratic. Given the circumstances, it's hardly surprising that he won running against a very young and not well-known Republican, and a Libertarian.

Why is his religion more important to CNN than it was to Hoosiers?

There is nothing wrong with a muslim being elected, the question is if this muslim has the heart for the welfare of the American people. The one born and raise here I believe will have that desire attach to her/his soul but honestly, if that person has spent part of his/her life outside the US, more so during her/his formative years, there is no way that the love for this country and its freedom will be foremost for him/her. People who do not believe in the Christian God and all the benevolence, sacrifices and love for their neighbor as thyself doctrine are easy to stick to their belief in their own supremebeing, tends to focus decisions using their religion, and if that religion is extreme on allegiance, then foremost will be thair own financial, power gain. Imagine if it is time to choose between religion and the American interest?. Strict religion could not separate state decisions.

KUDOS Indiana! Show the world that we arent as racist and prejudice as the republicans tried to make us look these last few years!! I think Indiana is ready for change…wait a sec dont they have a primary coming up!!!

Yes, I agree we should not discriminate against religion, race or sex.

I don't think being Muslim makes you a lesser American or not an American at all.

HOWEVER, I do not think any special concessions should be made for anyone's religion. So no Chapels,no churches, no mosques, no temples, no shrines to Mecca in Capitol Hill Building or anywhere in public offices.

I bet I'll get backlash on this one, but one day people will undertsnad why this is important.

Othes shouldn't mix one's freedom of belief with his choice to serve his community. Otherwise, let us see how his religeous beliefs would affect on his duty.

All this talk about equality when the polls show that blacks are overwhelmingly voting for Obama. These same voters liked Hillary before Obama became a candidate. And I bet if Obama's oponent was a white male Obama would still get the black vote. It does not matter that it is Hillary at all. Another point aganinst Hillary is that she is a women. Discrimination is alive and well.

If you change your name to a muslim name they will freak out. How stupid it is to worry about an Americans religion. I wish him the best. There are good PEOPLE and bad PEOPLE of ALL religions and that is a fact.

I don't understand why some people on this blog are asking if this is news. YES, It is news because most people in America, a bigger percentage being closed minded republicans believe that being a muslim makes you a lesser American or even an American citizen with ties to the middle east. Hearing more of such news will educate much of these kinds of mind set.

CNN, any muslim that is elected to such high office, pls. let us know. We are counting, we are now on # 2 or maybe 3 if we can force Obama to accept his grandfather's religion even though him and his birht father never practiced it.

Now we just need to get rid of this two party garbage and we might have a chance at turn this country around.

To those who ask why this is news, it is because the religion of Islam is being conflated with anti-American terrorism fo reasons of political gain.

Keep in mind that as this story breaks it is the very same week in which another Congressman has made and then reiterated fear-mongering remarks that an Obama victory would hearten terrorists. As long as that is the political atmosphere in which we are living, I am very very very happy to see a story like this get reported. It stuffs right back in the face of those want to divide us all by our religious identities that they are losing and on the wrong side of history. it is no different as when the first of any minority community in this country breaks through to positions of political power. It is a sign of progress and certainly welcomed by me and many others.

ALL THANKS TO HIS STAFFER AVERY DALE!

for all of those who use religion as base of hate, or tactic to scare of votes just remember this country was founded based on freedom of religion as far as this guy being elected, i'm sure it was not based on his religion as a muslim american i can tell you the population of muslim americans in indiana is very little but he was elected based on his policy and what he can do for the ppl in that district, lets not use the politics of Bush and Rove to divide us so they can do anything they want for once let americans stand for american regardless of their religion, color, gender or anything that divides us.

Nash-
Yes, when Lewis Charles Levin was elected in 1944, it was a very big deal.

Sozzi, that was awesome. Iowa has had a very bipolar week. Between Steve King and Karl Rove's hecklers at U of I, I think we will keep our "purple state" status.

Don't we have christians, atheist, jews etc in the House? Why are you putting this on your website as a news piece? CNN to me is becoming worse than foxnews. Just look at what you have posted. How many race or religion related articles do you have?

Please report something that is of interest to the world. People from across the world of every colour and creed visit your website and you can imagine their feeling when they read this kind of rubbish articles that only spread hatred and division across the globe.

There are many places on this planet where whites or christians are minority. So tell me, how do you want them to be treated? Do you want them looked at differently because of minor differences like religion or race. Humans have a lot in common than you try to report.

Shame on you once again for spreading hatred.

Go a head and don't post my opinion, that is what you are good at doing.

Don't we have christians, atheist, jews etc in the House? Why are you putting this on your website as a news piece? CNN to me is becoming worse than foxnews. Just look at what you have posted. How many race or religion related articles do you have?

Please report something that is of interest to the world. People from across the world of every colour and creed visit your website and you can imagine their feeling when they read this kind of rubbish articles that only spread hatred and division across the globe.

There are many places on this planet where whites or christians are minority. So tell me, how do you want them to be treated? Do you want them looked at differently because of minor differences like religion or race. Humans have a lot in common than you try to report.

Shame on you once again for spreading hatred.

Go a head and don't post my opinion, that is what you are good at doing.

Although I am glad my fellow Indiana 7th District members didn't play into fear mongering about Carson being a Muslim, he is most definitely not the right person for the job. (My husband is also a black Muslim, so believe me, it doesn't bother me in the least where Carson choses to worship.)
Carson was elected despite having no real experience or qualifications. There are many people who would do a better job, but because the behind the scenes Dems wanted to be able to control him, they pushed him forward as the Democratic candidate.
The Republican candidate, who I don't care for either, at least was pretty good about not bringing up Carson's religion and trying to make an issue of it.

Rules? Do we need to have a foreign government come to this country to see that are elections are fair. If you change rules in the middle of the election then we need to do just that. Those 2 states haven't wanted to play by the rules for some time now. I you Democrats can't come together and play by the rules, we'll have Geo Bush in for another four. Oh, can Texas vote again too?

That's the second seat that the Democrats have won in a week in special elections.

It's great that we are electing a more diverse congress to represent us. However, I wonder why one of his biggest concerns is pulling troops out of Iraq? My roommate is an Iraqi Kurd and his whole family supports are efforts there. He says that most Iraqis love Americans and want us to stay. I don't think he is in touch with what the people of Iraq want.

Who cares as long as he does his job for the voters of his state and America. Doesn't matter if he's muslim, he's an American!

"Grover Cleveland" stated a transfer of executive control from one party to another does not mean any serious disturbance of existing condition. Obama will alter this condition.

WHAT!?!??!?!

But according to the Neo-Conservative press NO ONE in America likes or trusts Muslims! There's no way they would be wrong or even lie to us?

The media is the one who keeps up this NEGATIVITY because when someone like Geraldine Ferraro and other Racist punks makes these comments, they should not even be given media attention. Maybe we need to flood these media emails and let them know that Americans have had enough!

I guess Al Queda is dancing in the streets on this news as well. The Republican idiot that made that comment earlier this week about Obama needs to be dunked.

Dems 08

Sorry Republicans your LATE!!

Congratulations on your win, Congressman-elect Carson. Maybe attitudes in America are finally becoming more inclusive and less fearful.

Let's continue to set an example to the rest of the world that America is a place of hope and opportunity for people from all walks of life! That's what makes the dream of our nation so great!

Hooray for religious diversity in the government! Eat that, far right.

I am from Indiana, there is a big difference between Indianapolis, IN, vs. the rest of Indiana. The last time this state voted Democratic was in 1964. This state is a shoe in for Hillary with the Democratics and it will be a show in for McCann in November. Any other results would shock me.

I love sensationalist news. It (apparently) makes the world go around, at least here in America. Two of the top stories this morning are race-related. First Geraldine Ferraro is strung up for mildly and honestly exercising her 1st amendment rights, and now this story. Absolutely, congratulations to Mr. Carson on his victory, a victory I'm sure was won because of the person he is, his political policies and his good standing with the people of the 7th district. Now the media takes that victory from him and turns it into a pat on the back for progressivism. Now, in the manic tread-lightly-and-carry-a-big-ego mainstream, Carson has been elected as a sort of "take-that racism" empty gesture, which I'm sure, if you ask his constituents, is not the case.

These stories, when you stop and think, are the most prevalent form of racism today, and they are an everyday event. Sensationalized racism in the name of the allmighty dollar. Great job CNN for spoiling Mr. Carson's victory.

Letha - sorry, I am still an American, I still watch the news, I still care about my country, and I am still going to vote in November.
I'm not sure where you get this idea that we lost our voice.

GO ANDRE! Proud to have you serving as my Congressional representative! Though if you ask a lot of Democrats these days, he only won because he is Black.

Why is this a news anyway?? did anyone report when the first jew or hindu or buddhist or atheist was elected??

Why is this news?

Did someone break the news to Congressman Steve King of Iowa, or is he still hiding underneath his white bed sheet.

Wow, it's about time. Thank goodness for Indiana's open-mindedness and ability to look past the false stigma of the "evil muslims."

I am an atheist, but this news story gives me hope for a future in which religion doesn't play a role in politics.

Congratulations to Congressman Carson and the entire state of Indiana.

Uh-oh! Don't let Hillary and Geraldine find out about this!

So what if a muslim wins the congresstional seat??
Why is this news.

We should be happy that our country see's beyond the racial/religious divide.

I am very happy to see this happen. We should elect people based on their qualifications/judgements not by the color of their skin and religion.

When God does not discriminate then who are we.

What a great diverse country America is. We have freedom of religion and that should be celebrated. Because it is together what makes us strong in America. On the battlefield in U.S. wars, our brave soldiers fight and die, not based on their race, religion, or ethnicity. We are ALL American. And United we all stand.

When will this Country ever move beyond Race, Gender and Religion? I really don't care that he is a Muslim. I just hope he do a good job in office!!!

It appears that many Indiana voters deemed him competent, and not a threat to their way of life. Perhaps voters in general, can shead this veil of ignorance and fear after all.

Kudos to all.

I hope this will not be Twisted …….. the language chosen by CNN stirs many things..
it says a lot about the American people, we are not blinded by fear, Americans, (even so against the hopes of the Clintons) are smart and overall good people, this country was made by good working people, who can see beyond what people like the clintons want us to get invovled with.
The Clintons, Ferraro's and Spitzers, Rush and others as such will be judge by history _ that is the reality, history is being written and no matter how you try to erase it, it is there…………… Good AMerica for standing for who you are….

This is a great example of how America is a great nation that provides avenues of success for all its citizens.

Congrats Mr. Carson!

It appears that many Indiana voters deemed him competent, and not a threat to their way of life. Perhaps voters in general, can shead this veil of ignorance and fear after all.

Kudos to all.

I'm glad for this gentleman who was elected on his merits and nothing else. I don't see where his religion even comes into this election.

As for ExPats comments, you don't even live here any more so shut up. You lost your voice when you left this nation to live in Santo Domingo and doesn't make you a US Democrat. Ms Ferraro was correct in what she said.

Today-I am proud to be a citizen of Indiana!

CHANGE IS HAPPENING IN INDIANA!!! CHANGE IS GOOD!!!

GREAT NEWS!!! MLK's dream continues to make step to becoming reality instead of only a dream. Congratulations Indian.

Gosh and no dancing in the streets of Palistine or Islamabad? It's time for America to separate fear from religion and understand that Islam is not a supporter of terror.

Goes to show the people vote for the person best able to do the job. GO Hillary !!!!!!!. How you worship does not matter to most of us. However the color of your skin seems to matter more to a lot of people. Vote Hillary!!!

Why is this news?

Good For Them! Now they can cast their vote for Hillary coming up!!

Yep. looks like Obama could do well there even if he actually was a Muslim!

A district right in the heart of Indianapolis. Good on Indiana!

That's nice. It's progress.

I'm going to roll my eyes right now on behalf of everyone with an IQ over 70 in response to the ridiculous comments many Neocons are going to start making in their desperate attempt to parallel those in the Nazi party 70 years ago.

This piggybacks well on the issue of Ferraro - Someone needs to let her know that the attributes that matter most today are the ideas and representations of that person - other attributes are secondary. Ferraro has her place in history to help break the effect of "isms" that cloud and interfere with making a prudent electoral decision - And, there are vestiges of that still, today (as evidenced by her own remarks, sadly). But, for the majority of US DEMOCRATS and, I hope, the nation, we are getting beyond or are already beyond that.

Congratulations to the Congressman! May he serve his constituency and us all well.

It's a great day for the state of Indiana and the United States as a whole. I am so happy to see that there is beginning to be some semblance of diversity in Congress. We still have a ways to go, but its a good start.

Rock on Indiana. Good for you!

Good to see progress being made.

The government should not discriminate based on relgion, sex or race nor should the citizens of the USA.

Carson is just an idiotic mouthpiece for Democratic talking points. He does not have an original thought in his head. He will be as worthless as his pathetic grandmother was.

This is outstanding. We need more religious diversity in Congress!

Congratulations Mr. Carson! I hope you will serve your state well.

(bring on the unintelligent comments about his choice of religion….)

Good job bro

This says alot about the progress of Indiana. Congrats to Indiana's voters and to you Mr. Carson