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December 09, 2010 09:37 PM UTC

Ali Hasan Switches Parties

  • 138 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols

From The Colorado Independent:

Muhammad Ali Hasan, a member of the wealthy and influential Colorado Republican Hasan family and a past state House and treasurer candidate, said he is switching parties. Speaking at the University of Colorado-Boulder on his experience growing up Muslim in the American West and later in conversation with the Colorado Independent, Hasan said he is ending his affiliation with the party for the bigotry he believes has shaped Republican politics over the last year. The FOX News regular and founder of Muslims for Bush  said he met recently with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the controversial Democratic leader won him over…

…Major financial backers of conservative causes and candidates in the state and friends to national GOP leaders and successive Republican presidential administrations, the Hasans have publicly struggled with the post-Bush Palin-era GOP. Matriarch Seeme Hasan during the “Ground Zero Mosque” debate said she didn’t recognize the party. Ali Hasan’s defection comes in the wake of news that state GOP lawmakers will introduce tough Arizona-style immigration legislation and held a high profile hearing on the topic with a slanted roster of experts that featured almost no immigrant rights groups but several with ties to white supremecist organizations.

A hardline fiscal conservative and champion of Constitutional equality, Hasan says Republicans have merely paid lip service to the former and have effectively come to oppose the latter.

This move by Ali isn’t overly important on its own, but taken in a broader context it is significant for Republican politics in Colorado. As the Independent points out, the Hasan family have been major donors to Republicans and GOP causes over the years, and if their line of thinking is heading in the same direction as their son, that’s not good news for Republicans.

(h/t to Polster ardy39)

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138 thoughts on “Ali Hasan Switches Parties”

    1. Judging by the recent elections, I would say that the Tea Party types were effective, in some areas more than others, but definitely not in control.  Palin literally got her ass handed to her by the 2nd successful write-in in US Senate history…. in her own state.

      Ali was in fact nominated by a GOP convention; in 2008 he was the party nominee for HD 56.  It’s a moderate district so it makes sense.  He was badly beaten at the state convention this year because:

      A) he equates our sanctions of the Syrian & Sudanese govts with “racism,” while doing things like directing movies that give a sympathetic, if not moral justification, for suicide bombing,

      B) advocates for fiscally irresponsible things like a monorail to Vail,

      C) thinks it’s good for his rep if he’s running for office and banging girls in bathrooms,

      D) Unequivocally demonstrated on the campaign trail for state treasurer that he doesn’t have a fucking clue how to do the job, let alone have an intelligent discussion on the topic of public finance.

      Personally, I don’t think either party is full of bigots.  We each have our crazies.  But I’ll take the party who thinks it’s bad manners to build a mosque at Ground Zero over a party who supports teachers unions at the expense of minority kids, literally, any day.

          1. and this is all you have to offer?

            Slightly less penetrating than your usual astuteness, but what’s most disappointing is the wasted opportunity (and the lack of a n/t symbol). I give it a 2 out of 5.  

      2. The Democratic Party is far more fractured on education in this state then you give it credit for. That, and the Park51 project was neither a mosque, nor was it at ground zero. But we’ve had this discussion before.

        And Ali wasn’t just pissed about the Park51 debacle. He was on the opposite side of the GOP on gay rights, immigration–especially the Arizona approach–and other issues surrounding individual rights.

        1. And so is some of the most egregious screwing of poor minority kids.  I agree that it isn’t going on nearly as bad here.  I should have been more specific on that front.  

          sxp151 must either be a card-carrying screwer of kids or a lawyer for the Sudanese govt.

          Meanwhile, Ali is just using gay rights and immigration as convenient excuses for leaving a party that he has never agreed with on issues like foreign policy, spending tax dollars like they were your own trust-fund, etc.

          You can have him…

            1. Seriously.  You guys talk about his stature and what a coup this is.  Pleeasse put him in charge of something important!  I bet that, despite the pleas of sxp151, the cooler heads in the Dem party will prevail and your party will have to struggle with what to do with him.

              Though you don’t address any of the facts I mentioned, you talk a big game.  In case you didn’t notice, the GOP played the role of the iceberg this year.  Not sure why you think my ship is sinking.  I’m not crying.  I’m gloating…

              1. The Colorado Republican party is in bad shape. In a Republican year you losers fucked everything up, and even rich people don’t feel comfortable with Colorado Republicans anymore.

                Nah, can’t be that. Must be raindrops.

            1. Ali pretends that he is level headed and approachable, however he is the same guy who ran his campaign like it was a glorified student council election buying donuts for all the delegates and then whose mommy squawked and called us all racists for not electing her loser son.

              News flash we did not nominate Ali cuz he was weak republican with democrat beliefs not because he is muslim.

              He is nothing more than a wannabe Jesse Jackson, who refuses to denounce the terrorist front group CAIR.

              He belongs on the left with all the other terrorist rights activists.  

      3. to “C”….

        Republicans had a male senator who attempted to bang a male cop in an airport restroom while his wife waited at the gate for their plane…and that wasn’t enough to kick him out of your caucus.

        and “D”…..

        Perhaps instead he should have engaged in a hit and run while driving under the influence since apparently that is the prerequisite to be nominee for State Treasurer on the Republican Ticket.

        and finally, is the Republican Party “full of bigots”…well, given vote in the Senate today on the repeal of DADT, Susan Collins may well be the last Republican in the senate who is not a bigot.  

        1. ‘two wrongs make a right’ position is such a strong one.  L. Craig was wrong.  So was Stapleton.  It’s just that Ali has managed to amass a shit-ton of wrongs on one resume.

          As for DADT, I’ve addressed on previous threads, at length, my take on gay rights and the Republican Party.  We’re moving in the right direction, generally speaking, but need to move faster.  I hope Udall’s bill passes.  I would bet that 75% of Republicans <45 would agree.

          But in the meantime, enjoy Ali representing your party!

              1. Maybe I’m not following the thread well?  I was thinking the next Garcia’d.  Fuck up your resume, particularly while loaded, you Walkered it.  If writing it set your pants aflame, you Maesed it.

                Brilliant really.  Good job, 20th!

          2. your party is making “great” progress….one senator voted for cloture this time as opposed to zero last time.

            I suppose it is much easier to see that as “progress” when you have the luxury of discussing someone else’s rights in the abstract…

            You hope Udall’s bill passes, but you wish Udall wasn’t in the senate to introduce it….and you don’t see the absurdity of your position?

            As my Mother taught me long ago, you are judged by the company you keep….apparently Ali’s Mom taught him the same and he has finally taken it to heart.

  2. Ali thank you!

    I have greatly admired your writing skills and ideas.

    Peace

    Jim

    PS I disagree that this is not a big deal.  I have been very offended by the Republican Party’s bigotry and seeming hatred for people not white, not rich, not gay, did I mention not rich.  I don’t believe our founders ever intended America to be like this.

  5. I’m glad to see someone of his stature take a stand against the rhetoric of the right.  I’m curious if he has talked to Hick about any possible jobs.

    1. Thank you for the warm welcome

      I wish Governor Elect Hickenlooper well, but I will not be seeking a job with his office

      Honestly, I’ll be registering to vote either in New Mexico or California sometime in the next few months – that said, I plan to get in touch with the Democratic Party, here in Colorado, and offer whatever help I can give

  6. I’m happy to have another convert to the party, and I think Ali Hasan could bring some fresh energy to some important issues here in Colorado. But let’s be clear that this is the same guy we all lambasted during his various ill-fated runs for office. Hopefully we’ll hold his feet to the fire just as much now as we did then, and hopefully he’ll get someone good to help keep him from repeating some of his past mistakes. (Stratton-Carpenter Associates and RBI Strategies are both great, Ali, IMHO.)

      1. And, I would like some of that $300,000 “Money for Musings” from his family’s foundation.  

        How about “Musings on Air”?  And, I promise not to throw MADCO under the bus for using his plagiarized sections.  

    2. Believe me – I’m sure everyone here will always hold my feet to the fire (why do you think I keep coming back??)

      I didn’t join the Democrats to avoid conflict, I joined because, when I seriously evaluated what I hoped to change within America, I saw those chances far more heavily increased in a Democratic Party that accepts me and cherishes what I bring to the table, than a Republican Party that can’t get over my being pro-gay or pro-immigrant

  8. We are honored to have you as a member.

    Your drive, creativity, and openness will continue to be a credit to your new party and your country.

    Congressman Jared Polis

    1. Rep. Polis.  I sincerely like you and respect you on many levels.  I just want to be sure you know who you’re honoring.  You may decide to do so anyway.  Otherwise, here are some highlights from your newest party member:

      http://www.westword.com/2008-0…

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…

      http://www.arabisto.com/BlogSe… (April 30, 2007 entry)

      http://www.imdb.com/title/tt11… and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt11…

      I’m sure all here appreciate the +1 in the vote column.  I’m just not convinced that everyone in the Democratic Party is ready to pay tribute to him.

      3. And like all of us, he has done some stupid things in his life. However in his case he got to see them splashed all over the news.

        As to his credentials to hold office – I’d take him over the bozos you Repubs have saddled us with for Treasurer & SoS anyday – even with his support for Tabor.

        2. being imperfect/ making mistakes.  He is criticized for doing it loudly and obnoxiously.

          There’s a reason his “stupid things” are splashed all over the news and most everyone else’s are not.

          He’s like Frank the Tank – streaking through the quad, thinking everyone else is behind him…

          1. We’ve got tons of college students and people in their 20’s making tons of mistakes – and doing so loudly & obnoxiously. They just don’t have the press tracking them. (I get to hear lots of interesting stories from the interns we have at work.)

            Your holier-than-thou rings hollow.

      4. Jared knows who Ali is.

        Why are you so intent on character assassination of Ali?

        For someone who hates him so much, you sure do spend a lot of time thinking about him. Do you have those links bookmarked? If yes, then I am sad for you that you don’t have better/more productive ways to spend your time.  

        1. How have I assassinated Ali’s character?  To your point, I even put up video of him doing the things of which I’ve accused him.  

          I’m sure you disagree with my assessment of his positions on foreign policy or his seriousness as a candidate.  But I’m not making this stuff up!

          Meanwhile, Ali calls Republicans en masse bigots re: Ground Zero mosque, but still talks up Newt Gingrich.  Despite what many biased posters on this blog would say, that’s character assassination and hypocrisy in one move!

          1. Just calling it the “Ground Zero mosque” is bigoted. IT’S NOT GOING TO BE AT GROUND ZERO.

            You should get a bit introspective about this point if it bothers you so much. Think about what freedom of religion and freedom of association mean, until you really see why there’s no fair reason for opposing it if you believe in those liberties.

            1. I point out that someone is an unserious, obnoxious, character assassinating hypocrite and your response is:

              Just calling it the “Ground Zero mosque” is bigoted.

              That was a real zinger.  Got me.  Fine.  It’s not at Ground Zero.  I don’t care.  That wasn’t my point – as you so astutely missed.  I’m sure Ali will appreciate your backhanded compliment.

              1. It’s not “unserious, obnoxious, character assassinating, or hypocrital.” It’s the truth. Plain and simple.

                Seriously – take my comment to heart. You’re generally a good guy but you have a huge blind spot if you think it’s possible to hold your view without bigotry.

      5. I’d seen the Westword piece before, but the video is new. He makes some good points and generates food for thought. I’m excited to hear him debate as a Dem!

  10. convincing Ali not to financially support ballot initiatives like the ‘Ugly 3’ or oppose anything that remotely touches Tabor (de-Brucing).  It’s going to be interesting to watch.  

  12. I am personally delighted to hear the news. While I know that you and I will disagree on some things, it is good to know, my brother, that you see clearly.

    If is to be about Love, we must make it so.

    2. The Republicans are so pro-security now, that I can’t find where “liberty” fits into their main goals

      The Democrats are not fiscal conservatives, but they push a great liberty agenda, in terms of social issues – I’ll do my best to influence some amount of fiscal conservatism, but as of now, it feels great to be a Democrat!

      Thank you for the kind words, Hugh!

  14. McD gets a well deserved boot in his ass, Nancy shows Barry what balls are, and Ali Hasan joins the Democratic party.

    Holy Nighthorses Batman, its Christmas in December !

    WELCOME !

  15. Are you becoming a Democrat, or just switching out of the Republican party?

    The article alludes to you becoming a Democrat regarding your meeting with Speaker Pelosi, but it doesn’t state it out right.

    Odd, I think you’d be the only Democrat in the entire state who vehemently supports TABOR as well as this cycle’s “bad three.”

    If you’re going to be the Democratic foil who agrees with Republican commentary on limiting money to schools and colleges, then I’d rather not have you in the party. If this enables you to appear on Fox News as a “democrat,” I’d rather not have you in the party.

    If you’re sincere, though, welcome.  

    1. This is going to have to be a twelve-step program of rehabilitation for him.  We’re all, even Ali, aware of that.

      Step 1.  Admit you have a problem. . . . Done.

      Step 2.  Give up that Tabor4ever nonsense . . .

      One step at a time Brother Ali.  And, remember — you’re not alone in this.

          1. I did write this on one of Ali Hasan’s facebook messages regarding his switch:

            One thing I do envy of the Democratic party is they are more willing to accept opposing viewpoints. Well, at least at this point in time. The Republicans don’t have their own equivalent of Blue Dog Democrats and there should be one. I don’t believe the Republican Leadership Council holds as much weight as the Democratic Leadership Council either..

            I agree with Hasan on most issues.  I support gay marriage, Park51 shouldn’t have been a issue, DADT should go, etc.  One thing though, he much more anti-tax than I am..  I voted against the “bad three”.  I am pretty much a fiscal conservative for my generations sake.

  18. I for one am very glad to have you aboard.

    Now we can start to have a serious discussion about fiscal issues too. I know you are too smart to stay locked into TABOR permanently…

    🙂

    1. Don’t let TABOR worry you – I hope to make the Democrats more fiscally conservative, but my activism will truly come in pushing Gay Marriage and citizenship for illegal immigrants forward – that will be my best contribution to our good Party

  19. We need more hardline fiscal conservatives in the Democratic Party. Hasan is right that the Republicans have paid lip service to that: witness the latest deficit-ballooning travesties they’re cooking up.

    Hooray to the House Democrats for showing a spine and refusing to go along with this measure – at least so far.

  25. Makes me sad. I don’t want the Republican party to just fall off to extremists. This doesn’t encourage me to believe the GOP will accept moderates anymore.

  26. You’re going to be a fish out of water in the Dem Party. I guess that’s what I get though, for telling you to switch parties. I think you’d probably be better of as an independent, but of course then you couldn’t get appointed to the house seat or buy influence in politics or accomplish whatever you’re trying to accomplish. You’ve got to grow up a little bit if you want to be taken seriously politically. Running off to the Dems because of a perceived slight over the ground zero mosque is a bit petty, and won’t solve anything. Your only real area of disagreement with the GOP is immigration, and I know plenty of pro-amnesty libertarian types that have stuck with the GOP because they agree with the party on more than they disagree with. I highly doubt that you’ll find a much better reception in the Dem Party in the long run, and though I may in the minority, I’ll welcome you back to the GOP if you ever outgrow your self-imposed exile.

    1. I guess that’s what I get though, for telling you to switch parties.

      Ali wasn’t prompted to do this because of an offhand remark you made, dingleberry. (OTOH, I know full well you never would have dreamed up the term “self-imposed exile” if I hadn’t used it in a remark directed at you. And of course you’re misusing it – it’s not exile when you join the other side, because you’re not alone and isolated. Dingleberry.)

      You’re in no position to tell anyone else to “grow up.”

      1. In the Colorado Independent article, it says that Ali got to meet with Nancy Pelosi and now counts her among his personal heroes (along with Reagan and George W. Bush, so interesting company for Nancy.) He says she was able to convince him to switch parties.

    2. .

      The guy loves this country.  He loves the freedom.  He loves the opportunity.  He loves the structure of governance that makes it all possible.  

      Like any other red-blooded American Patriot, he hates the corruption of the plutocratic corporate-owned one-party, two-headed Republicrat monster, the damage that it has inflicted, and the mortal threat it poses to the continuation of this experiment in representative self-government.  

      Welcome to the ACP, Ali.

      .

  28. discussion group, The Bagel Street Irregulars, we were joined by State Rep. Laura Bradford. I thought it appropriate (troublemaker that I am) to announce to the group the news of Alis’ switch to the Democratic Party.

    During the surprised reaction from several attendees, the good Representative deemed it necessary to shout, “and good riddance to him”. During the ensuing hubbub, Ms. Bradford let slip the most preposterous thing I have heard her say…to date.

    When someone mentioned the Hasan Family Foundation, her response was…and I quote, “that’s the group that was responsible for bringing down Scott McInnis”.

    Is it not truly a miraculous thing how Republicans like Laura can so completely delude themselves?

    I bring you this anecdote to remind you that the Republican Caucus is still getting it’s marching orders from another planet.

     

    1. It’s difficult to see why Republicans continue to lose minorities, the 18 to 40 group and women, isn’t it? Really, really tough to figure that one out.

        1. That is deeply disappointing, regarding Laura Bradford

          As Mike May often noted, there’s a decent chance that Laura Bradford and Kevin Priola would not be State Reps today, had it not been for my deflecting so much Democrat 527 money into HD56 back in 2008

          Colorado was one of the only states, in 2008, that saw GOP gains in their State House – the biggest reason why was because Democrats never budgeted for what I brought to HD56

          …now that said…

          …I kinda feel sorry for the money Republicans are gonna lose when I run as a Democrat…

          🙂

          1. Grand Junction on a Friday morning, please drop in at the Main Street Bagels store and ask for “the commies in the back room”. We would be honored to meet you and get to know you better.

            Vaya con Dios, Amigo.

  30. The activists here at CPols were a HUGE reason for why I switched

    A lot of you actively recruited and that did make a difference with me

    I am proud to be a Democrat!

    Please forgive my late note here, as well – honestly, this story got a lot more coverage than I expected and I was away more often than I thought I would be

    Of an important note – this is my open letter to the GOP, hosted by the Huffington Post, on why I’m leaving –

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…

    Thank you all! Looking forward to getting Gay Marriage legalized and opening up a pathway of citizenship for illegal immigrants! (damn, I sound liberal!)

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