The Chicago Sun-Times reports:
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean told American Muslims gathered in Rosemont to think beyond voter registration drives.No word yet from American liberal Jews who tend to support the Democratic Party.
"You need to run for political office," Dean said Saturday. "The only way you can achieve your goals is to stand up and say who you are and be proud of it."
Those in the packed house rose to their feet and applauded.
Dean was one of several prominent Democrats on Saturday to address the nation's largest gathering of American Muslims. Republicans declined invitations, organizers said.
The annual Labor Day weekend gathering of the Islamic Society of North America is expected to draw up to 40,000 Muslims before it ends Monday.
It's a family event full of spiritual and educational seminars. Saturday, many Muslims found inspiration from politicians.
"Be heard. Don't be silent. Tell it like it is," said Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress.
"If you don't tell your story, someone else will. And you may be the villain in their story," the Minnesota Democrat said.
Ellison, too, received a standing ovation.
