Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND — A congressional candidate says he will not meet with a controversial faith-based group until the leader of the local chapter denounces it, a position criticized by several challengers.
Former state Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Del City, a candidate for the 5th District Congressional seat, has denounced the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Calvey cites government court cases and other objective documents he says prove that CAIR is a hate group tied to terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The FBI has suspended its formal partnership with CAIR, which the FBI says has failed to answer questions about a connection between its executives and Hamas.
“Until these questions are answered, the FBI does not consider CAIR an appropriate partner for formal liaison activities,” the FBI said in a statement issued to The Sun.
In January, Calvey issued a press release containing information about CAIR’s alleged ties to terrorism. In a story in Saturday’s Edmond Sun, a CAIR spokesman denied the allegations of ties to terrorism.
Razi Hashmi, executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of CAIR, said he has sought a face-to-face meeting with Calvey more than once. Hashmi said he wanted to open a dialogue with Calvey.
When told about Hashmi’s desire to meet, Calvey said he would decline unless Hashmi denounces his organization.
Fifth District candidate James Lankford, R-Edmond, said as a lawyer, Calvey understands that all Americans have the right to free speech and the right to practice the faith of their choice. Lankford said he is a Christian, and he hopes that every person on earth finds the hope and peace that he has found in Christ.
“But I’m committed to a free society where individuals can choose any faith or no faith,” Lankford said. “I also believe that we must have zero tolerance against any Muslim, eco-terrorist or any other terrorism that seeks to threaten or attack us.”
Lankford said while he has a deep concern about Muslim extremism around the globe, he cannot paint all Muslims and Muslim groups with a single, biased, broad brush.
In Congress, his duty would be to honor the Constitution, promote liberty and represent every person in the district, Lankford said. “While I may not agree personally with many groups or individuals, every law-abiding person in the district deserves to be heard,” he said.
Lankford said on multiple occasions, CAIR has issued public statements denouncing terrorism in all forms.
“If CAIR moves from free speech to treason and conspiracy, they should be arrested and prosecuted,” Lankford said. “Until that time, I would hope anyone would deal with these issues honestly and leave all political posturing aside.”
Independent candidate Clark Duffe of Edmond said unless Calvey is privy to facts he is not, Calvey is suppressing the flow of information. Duffe said officials need to meet and talk with others and know their point of view.
Duffe said he did not know enough about CAIR to take a position on the organization.
Fifth District candidate Johnny Roy, R-Edmond, declined comment, as did fellow candidate Rick Flanigan, R-Bethany, who said he was not informed enough on the issue at this time to have a position.
Fellow candidate state Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, was busy at the Capitol and unavailable for comment on Monday by press time, said Jake Parsons, Thompson’s campaign manager.
The 5th District covers most of Oklahoma County and Seminole and Pottawatomie counties. U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Edmond, is running for governor and not seeking re-election.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
