{{Short description|none}} {{Use American English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2012}} {{Infobox election | election_name = 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election | country = Minnesota | flag_year = 1983 | type = presidential | ongoing = no | previous_election = 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 | previous_year = 2004 | next_election = 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 | next_year = 2008 | election_date = November 7, 2006 | image1 = File:Rep.K.Ellison.jpg | image_size = x150px | nominee1 = '''Keith Ellison''' | running_mate1 = | party1 = Democratic Party (United States) | popular_vote1 = '''136,060''' | percentage1 = '''55.6%''' | image2 = File:Alan Fine Pose Facing.jpg | nominee2 = Alan Fine | running_mate2 = | party2 = Republican Party (United States) | popular_vote2 = 52,263 | percentage2 = 21.3% | image3 = File:Tammy lee3 (cropped).png | nominee3 = Tammy Lee | running_mate3 = | party3 = Independence Party of Minnesota | popular_vote3 = 51,456 | percentage3 = 21.0% | map_image = MN5 House 2006.svg | map_size = 250px | map_caption = Precinct results<br />'''Ellison:''' {{legend0|#BDD3FF|30–40%}} {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br />'''Fine:''' {{legend0|#FFC8CD|30–40%}} {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}}<br />'''Lee:''' {{legend0|#aae5aa|30–40%}} | title = U.S. Representative | before_election = Martin Olav Sabo | before_party = Democratic Party (United States) | after_election = Keith Ellison | after_party = Democratic Party (United States) }} {{ElectionsMN}}
The '''2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election''' was an election for the United States House of Representatives for the open seat of incumbent Martin Olav Sabo (DFL), who retired after serving the Minneapolis-based district for 28 years.
Sabo, who had rarely faced a serious electoral challenge, won reelection with 70% of the vote in 2004 in a district that went for John Kerry by 71% in the presidential election. The seat had elected candidates of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) since 1962 and was rated "Safe Democratic" by CQ Politics.
Sabo's surprising announcement in March 2006 prompted many area Democrats to enter the race. While state representative Keith Ellison received the party's endorsement, he was not backed by Sabo and faced stiff primary competition from former Sabo aide Mike Erlandson, among others. Having won the primary, Ellison handily defeated Republican nominee, business consultant Alan Fine, and the Independence nominee, businesswoman Tammy Lee, in the general election.
==Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary== [[Image:United States House of Representatives, Minnesota District 5 map.png|thumb|Minnesota's 5th congressional district]]
===Candidates=== ====Received nomination==== *Keith Ellison, state representative<ref name=MPREllison>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ellison/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Keith Ellison |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref>
====Defeated in primary==== *Mike Erlandson, former chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; former Chief of Staff to Martin Olav Sabo<ref name=Erlandson>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/erlandson/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Mike Erlandson |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> *Andrew Vincent Favorite, businessman and former U.S. Navy reservist<ref name=Biographies/> *Gregg A. Iverson, perennial candidate and U.S. Army veteran<ref name=Biographies>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92603963/biographies/|title=U.S. Representative, District 5|work=Star Tribune|date=September 6, 2006|accessdate=January 15, 2022}}</ref><ref name=DemResults>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ersElectionId=56&scenario=USRepresentative&districtId=560|title=Results for US Representative District 05|work=Minnesota Secretary of State|year=2006|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref> *Ember Reichgott Junge, former state senator<ref name=Junge>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/junge/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Ember Reichgott Junge |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> *Paul Ostrow, member of the Minneapolis City Council<ref name=Ostrow>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ostrow/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Paul Ostrow |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> *Patrick J. Wiles, former member of the United Auto Workers Local 879 executive board<ref name=Wiles>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92603331/wiles-and-endorsements/|title=U.S. House of Representatives|work=Star Tribune|date=September 6, 2006|accessdate=January 15, 2022}}</ref>
====Withdrew before primary==== *Gail Dorfman, member of the Hennepin County Commission<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/dorfman/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Gail Dorfman |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> ''(endorsed Ellison)''<ref name=STC>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99842280/ellison-convention/|title=DFLers pick Ellison to replace Sabo|newspaper=Star Tribune |date=May 7, 2006|pages=B11 |accessdate=April 14, 2022}}</ref> *Anne Knapp, former Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Employment Security<ref name=Knapp>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/knapp/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Anne Knapp |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> ''(endorsed Saavedra)''<ref name=Convention/> *Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Associate Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas<ref name=MPRPall/> ''(endorsed Ellison)''<ref name=Convention>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/ellison-wins-dfl-endorsement-succeed-sabo/|title=Ellison wins DFL endorsement to succeed Sabo|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025111254/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/ellison-wins-dfl-endorsement-succeed-sabo/|archive-date=October 25, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2021|date=May 7, 2006|last1=Cox|first1=Craig}}</ref> *Jon Olson, President of the Minneapolis Parks Board<ref name=Olson>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/jonolson/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jon Olson |work=Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> *Jorge Saavedra, attorney<ref name=Saav>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/saavedra/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jorge Saavedra |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> ''(endorsed Ellison)''<ref name=STC/> *Gary Schiff, member of the Minneapolis City Council<ref name=Schiff>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/schiff/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Gary Schiff |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> *Erik Thompson, activist ''(ran in the 7th congressional district)''<ref name=Thom>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/thompson/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 7th District: Erik Thompson |work=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref>
====Declined to run==== *Mark Andrew, former chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> *Sharon Sayles Belton, former mayor of Minneapolis<ref name=Tear>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/18/saboretires|title=Tearful Martin Sabo announces retirement from Congress|website=MPR News|last1=Pugmire|first1=Tim|last2=Lohn|first2=Martiga|date=March 18, 2006|access-date=March 28, 2021}}</ref> *Scott Benson, member of the Minneapolis City Council<ref name=Tear/> *Satveer Chaudhary, state senator<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> *Scott Dibble, state senator<ref name=DorfmanRuns>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dorfman-enters-race-sabos-seat/|title=Dorfman enters race for Sabo's seat|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|last1=Cox|first1=Craig|date=March 21, 2006|access-date=March 28, 2021}}</ref> ''(endorsed Dorfman)''<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> *Betty Folliard, former state representative<ref name=Tear/> *Lisa Goodman, member of the Minneapolis City Council<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> *Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> ''(endorsed Ellison)''<ref name=Convention/> *Peter McLaughlin, member of the Hennepin County Commission<ref name=Tear/> *Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> ''(endorsed Dorfman, then Erlandson)''<ref name=DorfmanRuns/><ref name=Biographies/> *R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis<ref name=Tear/> *Julie Sabo, former state senator<ref name=DorfmanRuns/>
===DFL endorsement=== Before Sabo announced his retirement, he was already being challenged for the party endorsement by professor and anti-Iraq War activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.<ref name=MPRPall>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/pallmeyer/ |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 5th District: Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer |work=Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> Nelson-Pallmeyer's campaign was considered to have little to no chance of succeeding.<ref name=MPRPall/> When Sabo announced his retirement several candidates entered the race, seeking the DFL endorsement to replace him.<ref name=DemDebate/> Hennepin County commissioner Gail Dorfman announced her campaign for the seat on March 21, 2006, becoming the first woman to enter the campaign, and assumed the status of one of the frontrunners due to her strong fundraising record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dorfman-enters-race-sabos-seat/|title=Dorfman enters race for Sabo's seat|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|last1=Cox|first1=Craig|date=March 21, 2006|access-date=July 12, 2021}}</ref>
At the district convention in May, state representative Keith Ellison won the DFL endorsement after four ballots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/06/5dist/ |title=MPR: Keith Ellison wins endorsement in 5th District |work=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=May 6, 2006 |access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> Ellison winning the endorsement was considered a surprise, as election analysts had predicted a close race between him, Dorfman and former DFL chair Mike Erlandson, but instead Ellison came away with a convincing margin of victory, with Dorfman in second and Erlandson in fourth, behind Nelson-Pallmeyer.<ref name=Twin/><ref name=RunningMan/> After being heckled by delegates for refusing to commit to endorsing the winner of the convention, Erlandson left the building and decided to run in the primary anyway. This action angered DFL chair Brian Melendez, who accused Erlandson of disloyalty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/06/erlandsonfiles|title=Former party chief now bucks the party process|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=July 6, 2006|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924191856/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/06/erlandsonfiles|archive-date=September 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Primary election=== In the September primary, the retiring Sabo backed Erlandson. Ellison and Erlandson were joined by state senator Ember Reichgott Junge and Minneapolis City Councillor Paul Ostrow in the primary race, along with several minor candidates.
Junge was widely considered the most moderate candidate, and her campaign was largely focused around healthcare,<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318195748/http://citypages.com/databank/27/1340/article14599.asp|url=http://citypages.com/databank/27/1340/article14599.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2008|title=Junge at Heart|website=City Pages|last1=Robson|first1=Britt|date=August 9, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> while Ellison was focused on turning out traditionally overlooked voters, like Somali Americans and members of the LGBT community.<ref name=Omar>{{cite web|url=https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2020/08/omars-primary-victory-affirms-progressives-control-of-minnesotas-fifth-district/|title=Omar's primary victory affirms progressives' control of Minnesota's Fifth District|website=MinnPost|last1=Schneider|first1=Gabe|last2=Kaul|first2=Greta|date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117200530/https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2020/08/omars-primary-victory-affirms-progressives-control-of-minnesotas-fifth-district/|archive-date=January 17, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref> However, Ellison's campaign suffered from numerous controversies, such as revelations that he had failed to pay back parking tickets, and that in the early 90s he had written articles praising the Nation of Islam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2006/10/13/october-13-2006-keith-ellison-muslim-congressional-candidate/3758/|title=Keith Ellison: Muslim Congressional Candidate|website=PBS|last1=Abernethy|first1=Bob|author-link=Bob Abernethy|last2=Lazaro|first2=Fred de Sam|date=October 13, 2006|access-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910013428/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2006/10/13/october-13-2006-keith-ellison-muslim-congressional-candidate/3758/|archive-date=September 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Erlandson attacked both Ellison and Junge, drawing attention to the controversies Ellison had been involved in, and criticising Junge for numerous votes she had made while a state senator and for being the Minnesota chair of Joe Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/07/5thnegative|title=Rivals say Erlandson crosses the line|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=September 7, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> Erlandson also emphasised his supposed ability to work with other elected Democrats in order to pass legislation.<ref name=Forward>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/back-race-erlandson-hopes-move-forward/|title=Back in the race, Erlandson hopes to move forward|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|last1=McIntee|first1=Mike|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=April 30, 2021}}</ref> Ellison went on to win the September 12 primary with 41% of the vote.
===Debates=== {| class="wikitable" |-<sup>†</sup> ! style="background:#B0C4DE" colspan="16"| 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district democratic primary debates |- !style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{abbr|No.|Number}} || Date & time || Host || Moderator || Link || scope="col" colspan="10"| Participants |- !colspan="5" rowspan="2" |Key:<br />{{Colors|black|#90ff90| P }} <small>Participant </small> {{Colors|black|#FFFFDD| A }} <small>Absent </small> {{Colors|black|#ff9090| N }} <small>Non-invitee </small> {{color box|#f0e68c|W}} <small>Withdrawn</small> ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| |- ! Gail Dorfman ! Keith Ellison ! Mike Erlandson ! Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer ! Ember Reichgott Junge ! Paul Ostrow ! Jorge Saavedra ! Gary Schiff |- |- ! {{nbsp}} 1<ref name=DemDebate>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/04/23/5distdebate|title=Fifth District congressional candidates hold first debate|website=MPR News|last1=Baxter|first1=Annie|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|April 24, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| |style="white-space:nowrap;"| |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes-No|'''A'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/24/fifthdebate|title=DFLers face off in 5th district debate|work=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=July 24, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|July 24, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|KFAI, Insight News}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2006/07/25/jcrcdebate|title=5th district candidates debate Mideast policy|website=The Current|last1=Williams|first1=Brandt|date=July 26, 2006|access-date=May 13, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512225032/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2006/07/25/jcrcdebate|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|July 25, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Temple Israel Minneapolis}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|David Schlecter}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 4<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/24/midday3|title=5th District DFL congressional candidates debate|website=MPR News|date=August 24, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|August 24, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Minnesota Public Radio}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} | {{D-W|'''W'''}} |}
===Endorsements=== {{Endorsements box | title = Gail Dorfman (withdrawn) | list = '''State officials''' *Scott Dibble, state senator<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> '''Local officials''' *Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission<ref name=DorfmanRuns/> ''(later endorsed Erlandson)''<ref name=Biographies/> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Keith Ellison | list = '''Executive officials''' *Walter Mondale, former vice president of the United States<ref name=Biographies/>
'''State officials''' *Connie Bernardy, state representative<ref name=RunningMan/> *Frank Hornstein, state representative<ref name=Past/> *Phyllis Kahn, state representative<ref name=RunningMan/> *Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative<ref name=Convention/> *Allan Spear, former state senator, former president of the Minnesota Senate<ref name=RunningMan/>
'''Local officials''' *R. T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis<ref name=Biographies/>
'''Individuals''' *Samuel L. Kaplan, businessman and attorney<ref name=RunningMan/> *Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Associate Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas<ref name=Convention/>
'''Labor unions''' *AFL-CIO<ref name=Biographies/> *American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees<ref name=Biographies/> *International Brotherhood of Teamsters<ref name=Biographies/> *National Education Association<ref name=Biographies/> *Service Employees International Union<ref name=Biographies/>
'''Organizations''' *Clean Water Action<ref name=Sierra/> *Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party<ref name=Omar/> *Sierra Club<ref name=Sierra>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/31/endorsements-in-the-5th-congressional-district|title=Endorsements in the 5th Congressional District|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=August 31, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Mike Erlandson | list = '''Federal officials''' *Wendell Anderson, former U.S. senator from Minnesota and former governor of Minnesota<ref name=Biographies/> *John Murtha, U.S. Representative from PA-12<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/31/fifthdistrict|title=5th District DFLers debate the details of Iraq war|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=August 31, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> *Martin Olav Sabo, U.S. Representative from MN-05<ref name=Omar/> '''State officials''' *Ted Mondale, former state senator<ref name=Biographies/> '''Local officials''' *Patrick D. McGowan, Sheriff of Hennepin County and former state senator<ref name=Biographies/> *Mike Opat, member of the Hennepin County Commission<ref name=Biographies/> '''Labor unions''' *United Transportation Union<ref name=Biographies/> '''Organizations''' *League of Conservation Voters<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99781945/mike-erlandson-profile/|title=Hoping to succeed his ex-boss|date=September 6, 2006|accessdate=April 17, 2022|work=Star Tribune|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle}}</ref> *National Association of Home Builders<ref name=Biographies/> *National Association of Realtors<ref name=Biographies/> '''Newspapers and publications''' *''Star Tribune''<ref name=Omar/> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Ember Reichgott Junge | list = '''Labor unions''' *Fraternal Order of Police<ref name=Wiles/> '''Organizations''' *EMILY's List<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2006/09/11/muslim-candidate-plays-defense-span-classbankheadlead-shrinks-as-minnesota-democrat-repudiates-association-with-farrakhan-span/79546ad0-a175-48e9-b610-717846e0b99b/|title=Muslim Candidate Plays Defense Lead Shrinks as Minnesota Democrat Repudiates Association With Farrakhan|newspaper=The Washington Post|last1=Cooperman|first1=Alan|author-link=Alan Cooperman|date=September 11, 2006|access-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> *National Women's Political Caucus<ref name=Wiles/> '''Newspapers and publications''' *''Lavender Magazine''<ref name=Sierra/> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Paul Ostrow | list = '''Local officials''' *Albert Hofstede, former mayor of Minneapolis<ref name=Biographies/> '''Labor unions''' *International Association of Fire Fighters Local 82<ref name=Biographies/> '''Organizations''' *American Diabetes Association<ref name=Biographies/> *Business and Professional Women's Foundation<ref name=Biographies/> }}
===Results=== {{election box begin no change |title=Democratic primary<ref name=DemResults/> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Keith Ellison | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 29,003 | percentage = 41.21 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mike Erlandson | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 21,857 | percentage = 31.06 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Ember Reichgott Junge | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 14,454 | percentage = 20.54 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul Ostrow | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 3,795 | percentage = 5.39 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Andrew Vincent Favorite | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 470 | percentage = 0.67 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Gregg A. Iverson | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 448 | percentage = 0.64 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Patrick J. Wiles | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 347 | percentage = 0.49 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 70,374 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box end}}
==Republican primary== Despite the heavy Democratic lean of the 5th district, Republicans were hopeful that with Sabo's retirement, their candidate would perform well.<ref name=FinePrimary>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/465/story/623665.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005062042/http://www.startribune.com/465/story/623665.html|title=Alan Fine is a pol with a tune, not just a song-and-dance|website=Star Tribune|archive-date=October 5, 2006|date=August 19, 2006|url-status=dead|last1=Grow|first1=Doug}}</ref> Before Sabo announced his retirement, two Republicans had already announced campaigns, Tim Anderson and James Turnham.<ref name=Out>{{cite web|url=https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/03/sabo-is-out-who-will-be-in/|title=Sabo is out; who will be in?|website=Southwest Journal|last1=McKenzie|first1=Sarah|date=March 27, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> However, by May 3, both had dropped out, with Turnham citing "some unfortunate circumstances" as his reason for doing so,<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904180331/http://www.jamesturnham.com/|title=James Turnam for Congress|website=James Turnham|access-date=March 28, 2021|year=2006|url=http://www.jamesturnham.com/|archive-date=September 4, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> paving the way for business consultant Alan Fine to receive the party's nomination.<ref name=Drop>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/03/5th-district-drop-out|title=5th District drop-out|website=MPR News|last1=Collins|first1=Bob|date=May 3, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404005029/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/03/5th-district-drop-out|archive-date=April 4, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Viewed as a moderate Republican, Fine was pro-choice, and his campaign was noted in its early days for its gentleness, with Fine himself often playing the piano at campaign events.<ref name=FinePrimary/>
===Candidates=== *Alan Fine, business consultant and senior lecturer at the Carlson School of Management<ref name=FineJob/>
====Withdrawn==== *Tim Anderson<ref name=Drop/> *James Turnham<ref name=Out/><ref name=Drop/>
===Results=== {{election box begin no change |title=Republican primary<ref name=DemResults/> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Alan Fine | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 7,352 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 7,352 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box end}}
==Independence primary== {{election box begin no change |title=Independence primary<ref name=DemResults/> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Tammy Lee | party = Independence Party of Minnesota | votes = 1,086 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 1,086 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box end}}
==General election== thumb|Jay Pond
===Candidates=== *Keith Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), state representative<ref name=RunningMan>{{cite news|first=Britt |last=Robson|url=http://www.citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp |title=Running Man|work=City Pages|date=August 30, 2006 |access-date=November 10, 2006|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108113629/http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp |archive-date=January 8, 2007}}</ref> *Alan Fine (Republican), business consultant and senior lecturer at the Carlson School of Management<ref name=FineJob>{{cite web|url=https://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/fine/|title=5th District: Alan Fine|website=Minnesota Public Radio|year=2006}}</ref> *Tammy Lee (Independence), businesswoman; former press secretary for U.S. senator Byron Dorgan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/lee/|title=5th District: Tammy Lee|website=Minnesota Public Radio|year=2006}}</ref> *Larry Leininger (White Working Man's), janitor and candidate for Mayor of Minneapolis in 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200108/13_newsroom_c2001/leininger.html|title=Minneapolis Mayoral Race|website=Minnesota Public Radio|year=2001|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref><ref name="MNsos"/> ''(write-in)''<ref name="MNsos"/> *Jay Pond (Green), political scientist; Green nominee for CA-08 in 2002 and MN-05 in 2004<ref name="jaybio">{{cite web|url=http://jaypond.org/bio|work=Jaypond.org|title=Jay Pond - Biographical Information|access-date=November 21, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108202147/http://jaypond.org/bio|archive-date=November 8, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Julian Santana (Socialist Workers), meat packer<ref> *{{cite web|url=https://www.themilitant.com/2006/7026/702603.html|title=Socialists Workers launch election campaign in Minnesota|website=The Militant|last1=Caceres|first1=Carlos|last2=Fiske|first2=Tom|date=July 4, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}} *{{cite magazine|url=https://www.themilitant.com/2008/7230/723050.html|title=Conference prepares for new class battles|website=The Militant|last1=Jaquith|first1=Cindy|last2=Joyce|first2=Ben|date=July 28, 2008|volume=72|number=30|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> ''(write-in)''<ref name=ThirdDebate/>
===Campaign=== Following Ellison's victory in the DFL primary, Fine and Lee immediately started campaigning.<ref name=MPR>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/13/fine|title=Fine comes out swinging|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=September 13, 2006|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref> Ellison promised to run a campaign on the "issues", and accused his opponents of attempting to steer the conversation towards his controversies because "on the issues they're in... big trouble".<ref name=MPR/> Ellison also attempted to de-emphasise his religion while campaigning.<ref>{{cite book|page=48|title=Born in the USA|last1=Soliman|first1=Ahmed M.|year=2007|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=9780595441440}}</ref> Fine's campaign largely focused on Ellison's past ties to the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan, while Lee's campaign emphasised her fiscal centrism, declaring that Fine was too conservative to beat Ellison.<ref name=MPR/> In contrast to Fine and Lee, Pond declared that Ellison was insufficiently liberal, stating that he had not been fast enough to denounce the Iraq War.<ref name=MPR/> However, Pond largely failed to gain traction, which was attributed to Ellison's staunch progressivism drawing off left-wing support that Pond might otherwise have received.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/11/ellison-credits-grassroots-campaign-for-victory/|title=Ellison credits grassroots campaign for victory|website=Southwest Journal|last1=VanDerVeen|first1=Kari|date=November 20, 2006|access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>
In contrast to the genial tone his campaign had taken during the primaries, Fine's general election campaign took a staunchly combative turn.<ref name=Fired/> Special attention was drawn to Fine's comments after Ellison had won the primary, when he stated "I’m extremely concerned about Keith Ellison, Keith Hakim, Keith X Ellison, Keith Ellison Muhammad", referring to various pseudonyms Ellison had used when he was in college.<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/us/politics/08muslim.html|title=Democrat Poised to Become First Muslim in Congress|website=The New York Times|last1=MacFarquhar|first1=Neil|date=October 8, 2006|access-date=March 16, 2021|author-link=Neil MacFarquhar}}</ref> These remarks were seen by some as racist, and one of Fine's brothers, Robert Fine, wrote a letter to Ellison denouncing his brother's comments.<ref name=NYT/> Fine's campaign was also wracked by allegations that he had abused his former wife in 1995, first revealed in a story by ''Star Tribune'' reporter Rochelle Olson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/congressional-candidate-faced-95-domestic-violence-charge/article_f33d8173-0fb9-5d3f-ab21-41f606158bb9.html|title=Congressional candidate faced '95 domestic violence charge|website=La Crosse Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=October 8, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324071841/https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/mn/congressional-candidate-faced-95-domestic-violence-charge/article_f33d8173-0fb9-5d3f-ab21-41f606158bb9.html|archive-date=March 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Fine strongly denied the allegations, claiming that Olson had ties to Ellison, and accused the ''Star Tribune'' of trying to "rig the election".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/11/5th-district-forum|title=5th District forum|website=MPR News|last1=Collins|first1=Bob|date=October 11, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name=Zingler/>
Lee capitalized on Ellison's controversies by securing endorsements from a coalition of Minnesota Democrats, including Kathleen Anderson, Sabo's long-time district director.<ref name=Twelve/> Anderson labelled Ellison a "scofflaw" and stated that Lee was the only candidate "honorable" enough to carry on Sabo's legacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/martin-sabos-district-director-endorses-tammy-lee|title=Martin Sabo's District Director endorses Tammy Lee|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=October 18, 2006|access-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315040206/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/martin-sabos-district-director-endorses-tammy-lee|archive-date=March 15, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lee's campaign was largely focused around winning voters in the more moderate, suburban area of South Minneapolis.<ref name=Campaign11>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/30/fifthdistrict|title=Campaigning heats up in the 5th Congressional District|website=MPR News|last1=Williams|first1=Brandt|date=October 30, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> As the campaign continued, Lee was widely considered to be in second place, and several Republican officials attempted to convince Fine to drop out of the race in order to prevent the anti-Ellison vote from being split, but he refused.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/11/a_surprise_in_minnesota.html|title=A Surprise in Minnesota?|website=RealClearPolitics|last1=Casselmann|first1=Barry|date=November 4, 2006|access-date=July 14, 2021}}</ref>
Media coverage of the race outside of Minnesota largely focused around Ellison's status as the possible first Muslim member of the United States Congress.<ref name=CJR>{{cite web|url=https://archives.cjr.org/politics/the_pigeonholing_of_keith_elli.php|title=The Pigeon-Holing of Keith Ellison (Congress' First Muslim?)|work=Columbia Journalism Review|last1=Colby|first1=Edward|date=November 3, 2006|access-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> This focus was criticised both by Ellison's campaign and by ''Columbia Journalism Review'', which found that the media was shoehorning Ellison's religion into articles where it was not relevant, and that the media was not giving anything other than a surface-level depiction of Islam, noting that only the ''St. Petersburg Times'' had stated whether Ellison was a Shia or Sunni in their coverage.<ref name=CJR/> In contrast, ''Columbia Journalism Review'' praised the ''Star Tribune''{{'}}s coverage of the race, finding that it was more substantial than the coverage in newspapers based outside of Minnesota.<ref name=CJR/> Fine strongly criticised the media's coverage of the race, stating that they had not covered Ellison's controversies enough and that they were not discussing the political positions of the candidates.<ref name=Fired>{{cite web|url=https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/10/all-fired-up/|title=All fired up|website=Southwest Journal|last1=VanDerVeen|first1=Kari|date=October 9, 2006|access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>
===Sabo's support=== During the primary run, departing Representative Sabo had endorsed and donated money to the campaign of his longtime chief of staff, Mike Erlandson.<ref name=Taiwan/> When Ellison won the primary and his campaign manager contacted him, Sabo said that he "wouldn't be supporting anyone in the race".<ref name=Taiwan>{{cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/296916|title=Retiring congressman gives cold shoulder to likely successor|website=Taiwan News|last1=Frommer|first1=Frederic J.|agency=Associated Press|date=March 11, 2006|access-date=April 30, 2021}}</ref> Sabo donated funds to the general election campaigns of many Minnesota Democrats, including Coleen Rowley, Patty Wetterling, Tim Walz, and Amy Klobuchar, but none to Ellison. Several Democrats were disappointed with Sabo's refusal to endorse Ellison.<ref>{{cite news| work=KSTP| url=http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S19767.html?cat=1| title=Why hasn't Sabo endorsed Ellison?| date=November 2, 2006| access-date=November 21, 2006| archive-date=May 24, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524193512/http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S19767.html?cat=1| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Twelve/> Sabo allowed a picture of himself with Lee to be used in her campaign literature, and in response to this an anonymous individual set up a site designed to look like Lee's campaign website, wherein they accused Sabo of being motivated by racism in his refusal to endorse Ellison.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/parody-web-site-blasts-sabos-endorsement-lee/|title=Parody Web site blasts Sabo's endorsement of Lee|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|last1=Keller|first1=Bob|date=November 7, 2006|access-date=March 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024100012/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/parody-web-site-blasts-sabos-endorsement-lee/|archive-date=October 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> This website was later revealed to have been created by activist Chris Stewart, who in 2006 was elected to the Minneapolis Board of Education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2010/02/minneapolis-school-board-member-chris-stewart-wont-run-re-election/|title=Minneapolis School Board member Chris Stewart won't run for re-election|website=MinnPost|last1=Brauer|first1=David|date=February 2, 2010|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chris Stewart |url=https://cura50.umn.edu/chris-stewart |website=Center for Urban and Regional Affairs |publisher=University of Minnesota |access-date=7 February 2025}}</ref>
===Debates=== thumb|Ellison, Fine and Lee debate at Beth El Synagogue on October 17, 2006. There were several debates held over the course of the race, along with numerous forums.<ref name=Zingler/>
On October 17 two debates were held on the same night, one hosted by Air America and one hosted by the Beth El synagogue. All four major candidates on the ballot were invited to the Air America debate, though Fine did not attend.<ref name=TwoDebates>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91572845/two-debates/|title=Iraq is hot topic in fifth district debate|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle|work=Star Tribune|date=October 18, 2006|access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref> Pond was not invited to the Beth El debate, though he did attend it as a member of the audience, and upon seeing him Ellison and Lee escorted him onto the stage in order for him to participate. However, the debate officials refused to allow him to do so, and Pond returned to his seat.<ref name=Zingler>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/zingler-on-5th-district-debate|title=Zingler on 5th District debate|website=MPR News|last1=Zingler|first1=David|last2=Collins|first2=Bob|date=October 18, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> In an analysis of the Beth El debate, journalist and blogger David Zingler stated that Fine was the "least impressive" debater, finding that he was answering questions with "rambling dissertations that border on incoherent".<ref name=Zingler/>
Shortly prior to the fourth debate, which was held by several student groups at the University of Minnesota, Julian Santana, who was running a write-in campaign for the seat as the nominee of the Socialist Workers Party, unexpectedly showed up, and was allowed to participate.<ref name=ThirdDebate>{{cite web|url=https://mndaily.com/204999/news/world/us-house-hopefuls-debate-u-campus/|title=U.S. House hopefuls debate on U campus|website=Minnesota Daily|last1=Blanchard|first1=Courtney|date=October 19, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> Lee was widely regarded as the winner of the debate, though Pond was also regarded as having a strong performance.<ref name=ThirdDebate/>
{| class="wikitable" |-<sup>†</sup> ! style="background:#B0C4DE" colspan="16"| 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district general election debates |- !style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{abbr|No.|Number}} || Date & time || Host || Moderator || Link || scope="col" colspan="10"| Participants |- !colspan="5" rowspan="2" |Key:<br />{{Colors|black|#90ff90| P }} <small>Participant </small> {{Colors|black|#FFFFDD| A }} <small>Absent </small> {{Colors|black|#ff9090| N }} <small>Non-invitee </small> ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #3333FF;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #FF1A00;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #ffc800;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #07f50d;"| ! scope="col" style="width:10em; background: #800000;"| |- ! Keith Ellison ! Alan Fine ! Tammy Lee ! Jay Pond ! Julian Santana |- |- ! {{nbsp}} 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/15/midday1|title=The 5th District debate|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=September 15, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|September 15, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Minnesota Public Radio}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Gary Eichten}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{No|'''N'''}} | {{No|'''N'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 2<ref name=TwoDebates/>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|October 17, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Air America}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes-No|'''A'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{No|'''N'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 3<ref name=Zingler/>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|October 17, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Beth El Synagogue}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Esme Murphy}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{No|'''N'''}} | {{No|'''N'''}} |- ! {{nbsp}} 4<ref name=ThirdDebate/>{{nbsp}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|October 18, 2006}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|University of Minnesota}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| {{center|Joel Kindler}} |style="white-space:nowrap;"| | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} | {{Yes|'''P'''}} |}
===Predictions=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !Source !Ranking !As of |- | align=left | The Cook Political Report<ref name="Cook">{{cite web | title=2006 Competitive House Race Chart | url=http://cookpolitical.com/house/charts/race-ratings| work=House: Race Ratings | publisher=Cook Political Report | date= 6 November 2006 | access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210001/http://www.cookpolitical.com/races/report_pdfs/2006_house_comp_nov6.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Rothenberg<ref name="Rothenberg">{{cite web | title=2006 House Ratings | url=http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.com/ratings/house | work=House Ratings | publisher=The Rothenberg Political Report | date= 6 November 2006 | access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107153417/http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2006/11/2006-house-ratings_06.html |archive-date=7 November 2006}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Sabato's Crystal Ball<ref name="Sabato">{{cite web | title=2006 House | url=http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2006/house/ | publisher=Sabato's Crystal Ball | date= 6 November 2006| access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110210331/http://www.centerforpolitics.org:80/crystalball/2006/house/ |archive-date=10 November 2006}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}} | November 6, 2006 |- | align=left | Real Clear Politics<ref name="RCP">{{cite web |title=Battle for the House of Representatives |url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives-51.html |website=realclearpolitics.com |publisher=Real Clear Politics |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109025111/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives-51.html |archive-date=9 November 2006 |date=7 November 2006}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}} | November 7, 2006 |- | align=left | CQ Politics<ref name="CQ Politics">{{cite web |title=Balance of Power Scorecard: House |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/risk_rating_house.html |website=cqpolitics.com |publisher=Congressional Quarterly Inc |access-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117202830/http://www.cqpolitics.com/risk_rating_house.html |archive-date=17 November 2006}}</ref> |{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}} | November 7, 2006 |}
===Endorsements=== {{Endorsements box | title = Keith Ellison (DFL) | list = '''Executive officials''' *Walter Mondale, 42nd vice president of the United States; Democratic nominee for president in 1984<ref name=Twin/>
'''Federal officials''' *Jesse Jackson, minister, former shadow U.S. senator from the District of Columbia; Candidate for president in 1984 and 1988<ref name=BBC/> *Betty McCollum, U.S. Representative from MN-04<ref name=Twin>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dfl-party-candidates-apprehensive-ellisons-victory/|title=DFL Party, Candidates Apprehensive of Ellison's Victory|website=Twin Cities Daily Planet|date=September 22, 2006|access-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315085642/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dfl-party-candidates-apprehensive-ellisons-victory/|archive-date=March 15, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''State officials''' *Frank Hornstein, state representative<ref name=Past>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/22/ellisonprofile|title=Keith Ellison dogged by his past|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=June 30, 2006|access-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> *Ember Reichgott Junge, former state senator<ref name=SWJ/> *Phyllis Kahn, state representative<ref name=RunningMan/> *Margaret Anderson Kelliher, state representative<ref name=Convention/> *Allan Spear, former state senator, former president of the Minnesota Senate<ref name=RunningMan/>
'''Local officials''' *Amy Klobuchar, County Attorney of Hennepin County; 2006 Democratic nominee for United States Senator from Minnesota<ref name=Twin/> *R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis<ref name=Twin/>
'''Party officials''' *Mike Erlandson, former chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; former chief of staff to Martin Olav Sabo<ref name=SWJ>{{cite web|url=https://www.southwestjournal.com/news/2006/09/ellison-comes-away-with-strong-win-in-dfl-primary/|title=Ellison comes away with strong win in DFL primary|website=Southwest Journal|last1=Vanderveen|first1=Kari|date=September 25, 2006|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref>
'''Individuals''' *Samuel L. Kaplan, businessman and attorney<ref name=RunningMan/> *Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Associate Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas<ref name=Convention/>
'''Labor unions''' *AFL-CIO<ref name=Biographies/> *American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees<ref name=Biographies/> *International Brotherhood of Teamsters<ref name=Biographies/> *National Education Association<ref name=Biographies/> *Service Employees International Union<ref name=Biographies/>
'''Organizations''' *Clean Water Action<ref name=Sierra/> *National Jewish Democratic Council<ref name=BBC/> *Sierra Club<ref name=Sierra/>
'''Newspapers and publications''' *''Esquire''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a208/esq1106endorsements-192/|title=Esquire Endorses America|website=Esquire|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=July 12, 2021}}</ref> *''Minnesota Daily''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mndaily.com/197413/uncategorized/keith-ellison-district-5/|title=Keith Ellison for District 5|website=Minnesota Daily|date=November 2, 2006|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> *''Star Tribune''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/561/story/764051.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109213709/http://www.startribune.com/561/story/764051.html|archive-date=November 9, 2006|date=October 25, 2006|title=Editorial: Ellison, Wetterling, Peterson, Oberstar|url-status=dead|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=Star Tribune}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Tammy Lee (IM) | list = '''Federal officials''' *Tim Penny, former U.S. Representative from MN-01<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/22/tidbits-from-the-5th|title=Tidbits from the 5th|website=MPR News|last1=Collins|first1=Bob|date=June 22, 2006|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> '''State officials''' *Peggy Leppik, former state representative ''(Republican)''<ref name=Twelve>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91573426/star-tribune/|title=Tammy Lee endorsed by 12 local officials of various parties|work=Star Tribune|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref> *Jesse Ventura, former governor of Minnesota<ref name=Lavender>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_3366.php|title=Governor Jesse Ventura Endorses Tammy Lee for Congress: Lavender Also Endorses Lee|website=Lavender Magazine|date=October 2017|access-date=March 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101200448/http://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_3366.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> '''Individuals''' *Steve Minn, businessman<ref name=Twelve/> '''Newspapers and publications''' *''Lavender Magazine''<ref name=Lavender/> }}
===Results=== {{election box begin no change |title=2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election<ref name="MNsos">{{cite web|url=http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20061107/ElecRslts.asp?M=CG&CD=05 |title=Minnesota Secretary of State, Election Results for 2006 General Election, 5th Congressional District |work=Minnesota Secretary of State|access-date=December 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513235856/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20061107/ElecRslts.asp?M=CG&CD=05 |archive-date=May 13, 2010 }}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Keith Ellison | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 136,060 | percentage = 55.56 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Alan Fine | party = Republican Party (United States) | votes = 52,263 | percentage = 21.34 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Tammy Lee | party = Independence Party of Minnesota | votes = 51,456 | percentage = 21.01 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Jay Pond | party = Green Party (United States) | votes = 4,792 | percentage = 1.94 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Write-ins | party = Independent (politician) | votes = 334 | percentage = 0.14 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 244,905 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box end}}
====By county==== {| width="60%" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- ! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| County ! style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Keith Ellison<br />DFL ! style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Alan Fine<br />Republican ! style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Tammy Lee<br />Independence ! style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Various candidates<br />Other parties ! style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Margin ! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| Total |- ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| # ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| % ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| # ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| % ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| # ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| % ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| # ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| % ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| # ! style="text-align:center;" data-sort-type="number"| % |- style="text-align:center;" | {{party shading/DFL}}| Anoka (part) | {{party shading/DFL}}|9,253 | {{party shading/DFL}}|45.0% | {{party shading/Republican}}|6,388 | {{party shading/Republican}}|31.1% | {{party shading/Independence}}|4,637 | {{party shading/Independence}}|22.6% | {{party shading/Others}}|283 | {{party shading/Others}}|1.4% | {{party shading/DFL}}|2,865 | {{party shading/DFL}}|13.9% | {{party shading/DFL}}|20,561 |- style="text-align:center;" | {{party shading/DFL}}| Hennepin (part) | {{party shading/DFL}}|126,273 | {{party shading/DFL}}|56.6% | {{party shading/Republican}}|45,509 | {{party shading/Republican}}|20.4% | {{party shading/Independence}}|46,614 | {{party shading/Independence}}|20.9% | {{party shading/Others}}|4,819 | {{party shading/Others}}|2.1% | {{party shading/DFL}}|79,659 | {{party shading/DFL}}|35.7% | {{party shading/DFL}}|223,215 |- style="text-align:center;" | {{party shading/DFL}}| Ramsey (part) | {{party shading/DFL}}|542 | {{party shading/DFL}}|47.8% | {{party shading/Republican}}|367 | {{party shading/Republican}}|32.4% | {{party shading/Independence}}|206 | {{party shading/Independence}}|18.2% | {{party shading/Others}}|18 | {{party shading/Others}}|1.6% | {{party shading/DFL}}|175 | {{party shading/DFL}}|15.4% | {{party shading/DFL}}|1,133 |- !Totals!!136,068!!55.6%!!52,264!!21.3%!!51,457!!21.0%!!5,120!!2.1%!!83,804!!34.3%!!244,909 |}
==Reactions== Ellison's victory made him the first Muslim member of congress, as well as the first African-American congressman from Minnesota.<ref>{{cite news|first=Neil|last=MacFarquhar|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/10/us/politics/10muslims.html|title=Muslim's Election Is Celebrated Here and in Mideast|work=The New York Times|date=November 10, 2006|author-link=Neil MacFarquhar|access-date=November 11, 2006}}</ref> Ellison's win was positively received by Muslim communities in the United States, who viewed it as an affirmation of their ability to advance politically.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6127234.stm|title=First Muslim congressman elected|website=BBC News|date=November 8, 2006|access-date=March 17, 2021}}</ref> Incumbent congressman Sabo congratulated Ellison on his victory, stating "He has a big task in front of him and I wish him well". Sabo also cautioned Ellison against letting his high-profile status become a liability.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/19/sabo|title=Sabo leaves politics as he served: low-key|website=MPR News|last1=Scheck|first1=Tom|date=December 20, 2006|access-date=July 12, 2021}}</ref> After his victory, Ellison was denounced by users on the salafist message board Al-Hesbah, who deemed him "the first Jewish Muslim that goes to Congress" and "[a] one-way ticket to hell".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/jihadists-trash-muslim-u-s-rep-article-1.622034|title=Jihadists trash Muslim U.S. Rep|website=New York Daily News|last1=Meek|first1=James Gordon|date=November 12, 2006|access-date=March 17, 2021}}</ref> Ellison announced that he would use a Quran when being sworn into his seat, a decision which led to the Quran oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Erika|last1=Howsare | date=December 19, 2006 | title=Anti-Muslim letter goes out to hundreds - not all are amused | url=http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064431134&ShowArticle_ID=11041812060944420 | access-date=December 20, 2006 | url-status=dead |website=Charlottesville Weekly| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211214050/http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064431134&ShowArticle_ID=11041812060944420 | archive-date=December 11, 2008}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Further reading== *{{cite news |title = Warning: GOP smear campaign just ahead|work = Star Tribune|page = 18A |date = September 15, 2006}} *{{cite news |first = Doug |last = Grow|title = Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Doug Grow column|work = Star Tribune |date = September 15, 2006}}
==External links== *[http://www.keithellison.org/ Keith Ellison for Congress] *{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060420151500/http://www.fineforcongress.org/ Alan Fine for Congress]}} *[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ellison/ Ellison's Minnesota Public Radio profile] *[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/pond/ Pond's Minnesota Public Radio profile] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061118201948/http://kstp.dayport.com/viewer/viewerpage.php?Art_ID=169943&NoAds=true League of Women Voters Debate] *[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2006/10/zingler_on_5th.shtml CD 5 Candidate Forum, October 17 (Minnesota Public Radio)] * [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2006/10/5th_district_fo.shtml CD 5 Candidate Forum, October 10 (Minnesota Public Radio)] * [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2006/09/cavlans_brigade.shtml CD 5 Candidate Forum, September 21 (Minnesota Public Radio)] *{{cite web|url=http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/15889045.htm|title=Controversy gnaws at Ellison lead|work=Pioneer Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090435/http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/15889045.htm|archive-date=September 29, 2007|date=September 28, 2006}}
{{Minnesota elections}} {{United States elections, 2006}}
2006 5 Minnesota 5 Category:2006 Minnesota elections