Syed Taj
| Syed Taj M.D. |
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|---|---|
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| Taj in 2011 | |
| Democratic nominee for Michigan's 11th Congressional District |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1946 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Sofia Taj |
| Children | Asad Taj |
| Residence | Canton, Michigan |
| Profession | Physician |
| Religion | Islam[1] |
| Website | www.tajforcongress.com |
Syed Saba Taj (born September 7, 1946) is a member of the Board of Trustees of Canton, Michigan and was the Democratic nominee for Michigan's 11th congressional district for the 113th United States Congress. He stepped down from his post as Chief of Medicine at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn in March 2012 in order to concentrate on his campaign.[2]
On August 7, Taj won the Democratic primary against LaRouche candidate William Roberts. In the general election on November 6, 2012, he lost against Republican Kerry Bentivolio.[3][4]
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Early life, education and career [edit]
Taj was born in Gaya, India, attended Patna University and Med School, worked for Bihar State Health Services, moved to the UK for postgraduate training in 1974, and moved to the United States in 1982 or 1983.[5]
Taj worked his way up from medical resident to staff physician, vice-chief of medicine and finally Chief and Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Oakwood Hospital.
Taj was elected as the only Democrat on the Canton Board of Trustees in 2008 with 20,000 votes, 18.63% of the total.[6] In office he successfully worked with his Republican colleagues to lower property taxes and water bills. He also served on the board of directors of the Canton Community Foundation and the Wayne County Senior Alliance.[7]
2012 Congressional campaign [edit]
On August 7th, 2012, he won the Democratic primary for Michigan's 11th District against LaRouche candidate William Roberts with 54.33% of the vote.[8]
Taj is a Muslim and has been accused of "having ties to Islamic extremism" by Republicans because his campaign received a donation from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Taj denies having extremist sympathies and says that the Republican allegations are merely racial and religious slurs. [1] Taj lost in the November general election to his Republican opponent, Kerry Bentivolio.
Political positions [edit]
According to a Plymouth-Canton Patch candidate survey, Taj supports tax incentives to hire new workers during recessions, eliminating tax loopholes, fair trade legislation, greater benefits for veterans, and tax reform.[9] Taj has publicly supported the Affordable Care Act but plans to work to improve it in Congress.[10] He also opposes privatizing Social Security and Medicare, and supports seeking other avenues to reduce costs and keep the programs solvent.[11][12][13]
Personal life [edit]
Taj created a scholarship for Canton students through the Canton Community Foundation,[14] and is a devout member of his community mosque. He came to Michigan to join his wife Sofia's family. She is an artist, author and poet. His son is studying at the University of Michigan in preparation for medical school.[15]
Taj's family in India is also active in politics, with one sibling serving in the Indian Parliament.[5]
References [edit]
- ^ a b "GOP congressman’s surprising downfall leaves suburban Detroit voters with confusing choice".
- ^ Slezak, Joe. "Oakwood doctor hopes he’s got prescription to cure nation’s, region’s ills". Dearborn Press & Guide. Retrieved 6 September 2012.
- ^ Bentivolio, Taj keep 11th district interesting," Detroit News, August 9, 2012 http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120809/OPINION03/208090388
- ^ "Reindeer farmer Kerry Bentivolio, Dr. Syed Taj win primaries in Thad McCotter's district" http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/08/reindeer_farmer_kerry_bentivol.html
- ^ a b Kumar, Rachna. "Dr. Syed Taj, Pride of Bihar". Bihar Urdu Youth Forum. Retrieved 6 September 2012.
- ^ Oakland County Register of Deeds, 2008 Election Results" http://www.canton-mi.org/clerk/2005_elections/110408_general_election.html
- ^ Springer, Richard. "Michigan Doctor Vows Policy Focus in Congressional Bid". IndiaWest.
- ^ "Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, August 7, 2012 Primary Election Results." http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/Oakland/41155/95256/en/summary.html
- ^ ”Candidate Profile, Dr. Syed Taj, http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/articles/candidate-profile-dr-syed-taj
- ^ ”Democracity, Sr. Syed Taj Profile” http://democracity.org/page.php?id=8
- ^ “Democrat Says He Can Win 11th District,” Michigan Radio, August 9, 2012. http://michiganradio.org/term/syed-taj
- ^ Dr. Taj Official Website, Medicare.” http://www.tajforcongress.com/issues/medicare
- ^ "Newcomer Bentivolio Wins, Will Face Taj," Detroit News, August 8, 2012. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120808/POLITICS01/208080367
- ^ "Scholarships". Canton Community Foundation.
- ^ Kang, Mohammad. "Dr. Syed Taj Offers a Challenge to Incumbent Thaddeus McCotter". East West Link News.
External links [edit]
- Syed Taj for U.S. Congress official campaign site
- Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
- Profile at Ballotpedia
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
