Mosque Debate Grows, Splinters

Dangers of Allah

Absolute proof, politicians will use any issue for political gain.

By MICHAEL HOWARD SAUL And PETER WALLSTEN

Wall Street Journal

PHILADELPHIA—Politicians beyond New York continued to stake out positions Tuesday on the controversy over plans to build an Islamic center and mosque near the site of the World Trade Center, but divisions emerged within each party over what has become a surprise issue in the 2010 elections.

Reuters People walk by 45 Park Place in New York City, the mosque’s proposed site.

In Pennsylvania’s closely contested Senate race, the Democratic candidate, Rep. Joe Sestak, appeared with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and endorsed the rights of project organizers to construct the Islamic center at its proposed location. Mr. Sestak’s position put him at odds with several other candidates in his own party, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who on Monday announced his opposition to the mosque’s being built near the site of the destroyed towers in Manhattan.