Ali Chehem Ali
Ali Chehem Ali (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to the U.S. Senate to represent Minnesota. He lost in the special Democratic primary on August 14, 2018.
Ali completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Ali was a 2016 Democratic candidate for District 55 of the Minnesota State Senate.
Elections
2018
General election
Special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota
Incumbent Tina Smith defeated Karin Housley, Sarah Wellington, and Jerry Trooien in the special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tina Smith (D) | 53.0 | 1,370,540 |
 | Karin Housley (R) | 42.4 | 1,095,777 | |
| Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now Party) | 3.7 | 95,614 | ||
Jerry Trooien (Unaffiliated)  | 0.9 | 24,324 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 1,101 | ||
| Total votes: 2,587,356 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota
The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tina Smith | 76.1 | 433,705 |
 | Richard Painter | 13.7 | 78,193 | |
 | Ali Chehem Ali | 3.3 | 18,897 | |
| Gregg Iverson | 3.1 | 17,825 | ||
 | Nick Leonard | 2.9 | 16,529 | |
 | Christopher Seymore | 0.9 | 5,041 | |
| Total votes: 570,190 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota
Karin Housley defeated Bob Anderson and Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey in the special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Karin Housley | 62.0 | 186,384 |
 | Bob Anderson | 35.6 | 107,102 | |
| Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey | 2.5 | 7,375 | ||
| Total votes: 300,861 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2016
- See also: Minnesota State Senate elections, 2016
Elections for the Minnesota State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 31, 2016.
Incumbent Eric Pratt defeated Ali C. Ali in the Minnesota State Senate District 55 general election.[1][2]
| Minnesota State Senate, District 55 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Eric Pratt Incumbent |
68.68% | 29,132 | |
| Democratic | Ali C. Ali | 31.32% | 13,282 | |
| Total Votes | 42,414 | |||
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State | ||||
Ali C. Ali ran unopposed in the Minnesota State Senate District 55 Democratic primary.[3][4]
| Minnesota State Senate, District 55 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Ali C. Ali (unopposed) | |
Incumbent Eric Pratt ran unopposed in the Minnesota State Senate District 55 Republican primary.[3][4]
| Minnesota State Senate, District 55 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Republican | Eric Pratt Incumbent (unopposed) | |
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Ali Chehem Ali participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on May 28, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Ali Chehem Ali's responses follow below.[5]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1. Health Care | ” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | Single Payer Health Care:The devastating consequences of the lack of medical care for large segments of Americans emphasize a critical question for all of us: Is health care in the United States a basic human right? I believe it is. I too feel the anxiety of living so close to bankruptcy trying to provide health care for my family. None of us should experience such feelings due to medical care. Health care must be universal, comprehensive, and guaranteed for all on an equitable basis. We must eliminate the fear families have of going bankrupt over medical bills? These are some of the most important questions of our time; our answer will determine the future of our country. To live up to the ideals put forth in our constitution, equality of access to health care is a critical step, and health care must be a fundamental right. I want to work for you to provide economic stability and medical healthcare for all. Maintaining Environmental Standards, Fighting Climate Change: As Americans we are facing two existential threats to human existence. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to global security, as it respects no national borders and it presents a grave threat to us all. ‘Climate Change’ with humanity’s destructive impact on our Earth and ‘Nuclear War’ have become so profound that a new geological age is used to describe them: called the ‘Anthropocene.’ The scientific consensus with all its evidence of man’s harmful impact on our planet is overwhelming: Earth's climate is warming, and we cannot neglect discussion of its human and social dimensions and is likely to cause instability and uncertainty in both natural and human systems. You and I are on course to see a massive influx of human migration from coastal areas spreading to all points of our planet from rising sea waters. In addition, while that is happening, we have nine countries with over 15,000 nuclear weapons just waiting to be used. I believe there are plenty of doomsday situations to worry about and there are principally two radically opposed visions of the future: 1. A republican radical insurgency will deny its presence and continue as if nothing new is happening 2. The other, is a progressive and constructive party, and we will fight to end the use of fossil fuels and stop producing nuclear weapons. I want to end the presence of the destructive fossil fuels. Unless we take aggressive action now, parts of the Earth may likely become unlivable, by the end of a few decades. Does this world vision seem like a safe and secure place to live? Perhaps for a radical insurgency, but not for me. And, in addition, how many wars need to start before they all fuse together into a massive nuclear war? As a progressive party, we must act. We must act now to reverse fossil fuels production. And we must end nuclear weapons production. This is my pledge. End Perpetual Wars: As a nation, we have a moral and ethical duty to afford the best care to those who have put their lives on the line to defend us. The cost of a ‘necessary war’ should never exceed the cost of care we provide our troops. Their lives should never be treated lightly, like moveable pawns on a chess board or lost in waiting rooms in their medical care and follow up. We must do more to address the mental health demands of our veterans with an increase in PTSD. The suicide rate of young veterans is horrendously high and the impact on their children is inexcusably high. I also believe that to support our troops we should not wager them in any war as if a game of brinkmanship. They are not pawns to be used as political bluster. And better yet, if we support our troops we should bring them home and take them out of harm’s way. There is no need for infinite warfare. It must stop, and I will do all I can to achieve that. Justice Reform (Stop Mass Racial Incarceration): We must create social policies that will transform this country into a nation that upholds the value and diversity of all immigrants and people of color. It is a disgrace that in the 21st century we are witnessing agonizing acts of violence being executed by the militarization of our police, Nazis’ back from the 30s (by the way, there are no good Nazis) along with racist rants and acts of terrorism by white supremacists against immigrants and people of color. An increasing number of our communities have little to no trust in police; often regarding them as the enemy. Law enforcement has become disconnected from the communities they are sworn to protect as they continue to militarize. We need a societal conversion that embraces the fact that all black and brown lives matter and racism along with mass incarceration will not be tolerated in our country. ‘Private prisons for profit’ must be stopped. Gun Control (Ban Assault Weapons):I will work hard against the NRA. I want to see my children again at the end of the school day as you do yours and be certain they are safe while in school and bring an end to unregulated gun sales. I will focus my time on effective enforcement of current gun laws, particularly strengthening background checks at gun shows, asking for a photo I.D. A gun safety test must be implemented to buy a handgun. I would implement the ‘ban on assault weapons’ which by definition are not defensive and close the gun show loophole. Let’s learn from the world. Our kid’s lives and well-being are far more important rights than weapons’ rights.Cite error: Invalid |
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Ali Chehem Ali answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
| “ | I look up to no one. To put others on a pedestal to be revered is a mistake. We are all here together and should work together to make our home a better place. All of have flaws or imperfections. To see someone different than there were or are is in fact an illusion.[7] | ” |
| “ | I believe the best Senators are those who use their powers to serve their conception of the people’s interest, their constituents. Greatness is measured by the length and stay of one’s influence for the people over fellow Senators. The drive or determination to see a matter through, regardless of the personal impact on us as Senators, will take us to the core of the issues of our time. He must study intensively and know intimately more on the matter than others before casting his vote. Finally, I believe a good Senator can see beyond what is in front of him or his own re-electability to measure the effect his voting will have on other men. These are qualities that I try to represent. As a result, I will work hard to bring a constructive and meaningful change to our community and state. If elected, my office and phone will always be available to you. I will seek your participation and involvement in my voting. Lobbyists, corporations and the wealthy will have NO power, control or influence over me. This is my promise to you, a stronger Minnesota for you, myself and our children. It can happen. I believe in Integrity, Honesty, Transparency, Accessible to their Constituents, Champion for the Poor and Middle Class and the Ability to Negotiate.[7] | ” |
| “ | I care about the suffering that my fellow citizens struggle with each day: racial bigotry, ethnic xenophobia and prejudice. I care about the police militarism and excessive lethal force. I care about the fear that our children must face with gun violence, poor schools and empty stomachs. I care about the plight of the homeless and hungry. I care about the elderly, poor and disenfranchised in all communities? I care about the millions that have no health insurance, no subsidies for support and are lost in a bureaucratic nightmare. We all must have empathy and care; we are all in this together. I believe my life experience as a human rights activists equips me to better understand the plight of the immigrant. I will fight for equal justice for all genders. I come from the poor class, blue collar worker. The life of the poor and myself follows the same path. I will be the first African immigrant to hold Federal office. I will establish a special relationship with all of Africa.[7] | ” |
| “ | However, I see that the middle and lower classes of Minnesota have been forgotten, disenfranchised and are not getting the opportunity to advance out of such. We can speak as a unified voice, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender or financial means. If you elect me, we will go as one. I will be a public servant, a fiduciary in your behalf. To serve openly those you represent, accurately representing the interest of my constituents.[7] | ” |
| “ | I seek no legacy. I want what is best for my constituents or mankind in general: End Perpetual Wars, Nuclear Disarmament, Climate Change, Free Public University Education, Provide Health Care for all[7] | ” |
| “ | Djibouti Independence- June 27, 1977. I was 12 years old.[7] | ” |
| “ | Guide and interpreter for the French Military in Djibouti. 1980-1985. I started when I was 14 years old.[7] | ” |
| “ | New Year[7] | ” |
| “ | Superman[7] | ” |
| “ | Candle in the Wind by Elton John[7] | ” |
| “ | The rape and murder of family relatives and the ongoing oppression of the Afar people by the Djibouti Government.Their[7] | ” |
| “ | Yes and No. I believe experience is good if the experience is well-founded. Simply holding a chair for years, but not meaningfully participating, is not valued experience. On the other hand, I will not be a professional politician. I believe in term limits stricter than what we now have. There are a lot of people in the public arena that would make much better representatives that what we currently have. Money seems to be the disabler and enabler. Citizen's United must be overthrown.[7] | ” |
| “ | James Madison devised the U.S. Senate to be a more deliberative body of wealthy white landowners than the fervent but less wealthy House. The impression was to have a small group of wealthy white members, with greater position in office, with the intention of legislation being reviewed with a different measure analytically. With the existence of the filibuster in the Senate guarantees that at least in one space the minority has a chance to end or improve unhealthy legislative proposals. I believe the filibuster is central to the United States system of government. It is a tool that makes governments listen to the minority views. Without such, the country would regularly experience the ‘tyranny of the majority.’ The procedure of filibuster improves laws by making them better in draft, more practical, and more widely accepted.[7] | ” |
| “ | As Americans we are facing two existential threats to human existence. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to global security, as it respects no national borders and it presents a grave threat to us all. ‘Climate Change’ with humanity’s destructive impact on our Earth and ‘Nuclear War’ have become so profound that a new geological age is used to describe them: called the ‘Anthropocene.’ The scientific consensus with all its evidence of man’s harmful impact on our planet is overwhelming: Earth's climate is warming, and we cannot neglect discussion of its human and social dimensions and is likely to cause instability and uncertainty in both natural and human systems. You and I are on course to see a massive influx of human migration from coastal areas spreading to all points of our planet from rising sea waters. In addition, while that is happening, we have nine countries with over 15,000 nuclear weapons just waiting to be used. I believe there are plenty of doomsday situations to worry about and there are principally two radically opposed visions of the future: 1. A republican radical insurgency will deny its presence and continue as if nothing new is happening |
” |
| “ | Build relationships with other senators[7] | ” |
| “ | I would be interested in participating in Committees handling:
1. Wars 2. Climate Change 3. Health Care 4. Free Public Education[7] |
” |
| “ | Yes. Chairman of Foreign Affairs.[7] | ” |
| “ | Bernie Sanders
I believe he is the only honest politician in Washington D.C. I am in full agreement with his proposal for Free Public Education, Single Payer Health Care and Public Housing.[7] |
” |
2016
Ali's campaign website highlighted the following issues:
| “ |
Equality
Education
Health Care
Infrustructure
|
” |
| —Ali C. Ali[8] | ||
See also
- Minnesota State Senate
- Minnesota State Senate District 55
- Minnesota State Senate elections, 2016
- Minnesota State Legislature
- United States Senate
- United States Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Official campaign website
- Ali C. Ali on Facebook
- Minnesota Legislature
Footnotes
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Candidate Filing Search," accessed August 25, 2016
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "General election results, 2016," accessed December 19, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Minnesota Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings," accessed June 3, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Minnesota Secretary of State, "Minnesota State Primary: Tuesday, August 9, 2016," accessed August 9, 2016
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Ali Chehem Ali's responses," May 28, 2018
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ali for Senate, "Issues," accessed September 21, 2016
