Congressional Candidate Advocates Profiling of Muslim Males

August 17, 2006

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Wire Service: AP

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/15290945.htm

On August 17, 2006 the Associated Press reported, "A congressional candidate from northwestern Wisconsin says airport security screeners should search all Muslim males. Paul Nelson, a Woodville Republican, issued a statement Monday calling for a 'no-nonsense' plan for airport security. 'Racial profiling is one way that we can cut down on security risks,' Nelson said in an interview with WIXK Radio in New Richmond. Part of the interview was posted on Wisconsin Radio Network's Web site. 'It's time to stop being politically correct here and be serious and tough on the war on terror.' When asked how to tell what a Muslim male looks like, Nelson replied: 'Well, you know, if he comes in wearing a turban and his name is Muhammed, that's a good start.' Nelson, a Hudson real estate agent and a former Marine, said performing random searches is a waste of law enforcement's time. 'Eighty-five-year-old grandmothers in wheelchairs haven't been hijacking airplanes recently,' Nelson told the Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday. 'Common sense tells you law enforcement should concentrate on the people who are perpetrating the crimes.' Nelson is seeking to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, in the 3rd Congressional District. Kind faces Chip DeNure of La Crosse in a Democratic primary Sept. 12. The winner will face Nelson in the November general election."