Media About Us
http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20100712/NEWS01/
Date Published: July 12, 2010
The Tennessean–
Sixth District Congressional Candidate, Lou Ann Zelenik, has called for a “clean accounting and thorough investigation” of individuals involved with the funding of the regional Islamic training center proposed for Rutherford County.
“In the past couple of weeks information have been uncovered which calls into serious question the goals and activities of at least one board member of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, and also a disturbing pattern of intimidation by a national group which is backing the construction of this regional Islamic training center,” said Jay Heine, Zelenik’s campaign manager. “It is time for community leaders to demand answers to how this proposed center is being financed, who is doing the financing, and what ties exist between its board members and terrorist organizations,” he said
In a prepared statement Heine cited information that has been brought to light since the proposed construction of the center was announced. Zelenik has joined others in the community in opposing its construction. In addition to the statement, the campaign released two documents: The first is a letter sent to the campaign which points out a possible violation of federal law by a Muslim group that had called on the national Republican Party to denounce Zelenik for her opposition while the second expresses concern about at least one board member of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.
“Of real significance is a letter from Mr. Frank Gaffney, CEO of The Center for Security Policy, informing us that we may have been victims of a group that is in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act,” said Heine.” “That group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), attacked Lou Ann’s campaign because of her willingness to stand with this community,” he added.
Mr. Gaffney’s letter further points out that in attempting to influence an American election, CAIR violated federal law, and has been in violation of federal law by not disclosing its sources of funding in official federal filings. A background investigation by Mr. Gaffney’s organization shows that CAIR has received 6.6 million dollars, and pledges of around 55 million dollars from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Kuwait
In the second document, noted security analyst Steve Emerson reveals what he calls the “radical agenda of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.” He specifically refers to one board member, Mossad Rowash, and his support of the violent terrorist group, Hamas. Mr. Rowash’s My Space page contains a ‘pledge for members to support violent Jihad and martyrdom of Palestinians fighting against Israel.’ Rowash’s page honors Hamas leaders including founder Ahmed Yassin, and co-founder Abdul Aziz al-Ratissi.
“In looking at this disturbing information from reputable sources, it is obvious that Lou Ann’s concerns, and those of many others, have a solid foundation in fact,” said Heine. “In addition to this release, with the attached items, we are sending the same information to the proper local officials, and urge them to call for a clean accounting and thorough investigation of this entire matter before allowing the construction to move forward,” stated Heine. “We believe this information raises questions that they simply were not aware of prior to approval.”
“The information attached to this release should at the very least cause us to seek answers to these legitimate questions,” says Heine.” As Lou Ann has stated, “We are at war. Of course, not all Muslims are terrorists, but we know terrorists live among us. Until these questions can be dealt with, and the Muslim community stands with us in our war on terror, supports our constitution and laws, not Sharia law, they have no legitimate expectation that the vast majority of Americans will stand with them.”
Lou Ann Zelenik is campaigning for the GOP nomination in Tennessee’s 6th congressional district. It has been held by 13 term Democrat Congressman Bart Gordon who announced his retirement late last year. Zelenik is a Murfreesboro businesswoman, former Chair of the Rutherford County GOP, and a leader in the Middle Tennessee Tea Party movement. She announce her candidacy last fall, and Gordon announced his retirement shortly afterwards.
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