Several candidates for Congressional elections known for making anti-Islam statements were defeated during this week’s election, much to the delight of American Muslims and tolerant U.S. residents in general who have grown tired of the unwelcoming climate. 

“These encouraging results clearly show that mainstream Americans reject anti-Muslim bigotry by candidates for public office and will demonstrate that rejection at the polls,” Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, according to the website OnIslam.net. 

Candidates known for their hostile, ignorant rhetoric were defeated in several states, another win for tolerance coming off of the failed campaigns of similar presidential candidates such as Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain and Rick Santorum. 

West

In Florida, Republican Representative Allen West lost to his Democrat challenger Patrick Murphy. West once described Islam as a “totalitarian theocratic political ideology” that is a “very vile and very vicious enemy.” 

In Minnesota, Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN) lost his seat. Cravaack was a key supporter of Republican Rep. Peter King’s hearings on the so-called radicalization of U.S. Muslims. 

Another Islamophobic lawmaker, Republican Adam Hasner, was voted down in Florida.

Hasner is known for championing events to taint the image of Muslims.

In 2009, he sought to block a day, “Florida Muslim Capitol Day”, that marks Muslim achievements.

Two years earlier, he sponsored the screening the documentary “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against The West”, which presents what it describes as radical Islam’s campaign against Christians, America and the West, was shown on college campuses across the country.

In Arkansas, Republican candidate Charlie Fuqua lost his bid for Congress to Rep. James McLean.

In a book, Fuqua has called for the deportation of all Muslims.

Also among those defeated in Tuesday’s election was Republican Representative Joe Walsh, who lost his re-election bid in Illinois. Walsh earlier this year said that radical Islam has taken hold in many cities in the United States. 

                          -OnIslam.net, TAAN