Candidate denounces Murfreesboro mosque proposal

[June 25, 2010]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Tennessee Republican candidate for Congress says plans to build a mosque in a Nashville suburb pose a threat to her state's moral and political foundation.

In a Thursday evening statement, 6th District candidate Lou Ann Zelenik said she stands with those who oppose building what she calls "an Islamic training center." She says the center is not part of a religious movement, but a political one "designed to fracture the moral and political foundation of Middle Tennessee."

"Until the American Muslim community find it in their hearts to separate themselves from their evil, radical counterparts, to condemn those who want to destroy our civilization and will fight against them, we are not obligated to open our society to any of them," Zelenik says in the statement.

Many residents in the suburban Nashville community only became aware of the planned mosque and community center after it had been approved. An overflow crowd packed a Rutherford County Commission meeting last week to speak against it.

Some wore Christian- or patriotic-themed clothing and a pastor told commissioners they should understand the nature, funding and intent of any group in the community "under that general banner (of Islam)."

In response to the uproar, Murfreesboro Islamic leaders announced an open house to answer questions from neighbors. It is scheduled Saturday at their current mosque, which they say they have outgrown.

Campaign manager Jay Heine said Zelenik was not available for comment on Thursday. He would not answer questions about the statement other than to say the campaign stands behind it.

Zelenik, who calls herself a leader in the Middle Tennessee tea party movement, hopes to replace U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, who is retiring after 13 terms.

A representative for the mosque did not immediately return a call and e-mail seeking comment.

[Associated Press; By TRAVIS LOLLER]

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