7 Jewish senators reject 'malicious attacks' on Obama's faith

LAS VEGAS -- Seven Democratic Jewish senators -- none who have endorsed a Democratic presidential contender -- signed an "open letter to the Jewish community" asking fellow Jews to reject "false and malicious attacks" being circulated about Sen. Barack Obama, who throughout his run has had to refute rumors he is a Muslim.

"Many in the Jewish community have received hateful e-mails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama's religion and attack him personally," said the letter, whose lead signer is Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.)

"As Jewish United States Senators who have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic nomination, we condemn these scurrilous attacks. We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks are apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics."

The other signers are Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Two other Jewish senators -- Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) -- have endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Obama is a Christian. His problem was triggered in part because his middle name is Hussein, he spent part of his youth in Indonesia, a Muslim majority country, and on his father's side he has Muslim roots.

Lynn Sweet