Michigan Senate candidates battle over their records on 9/11 at 25-year mark, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michigan-senate-candidates-25-years-9-11-el-sayed-rogers/)

The CBS News article covers the sharp political clash between Michigan’s Senate candidatesDemocrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogersas the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks became a central battleground in their race.Key points from the report include:

• Republican Attacks on El-Sayed’s Ties: Rogers and Republican groups have attacked El-Sayed over his past campaign appearances with progressive political streamer Hasan Piker, who sparked controversy in 2019 by saying “America deserved 9/11.” Rogers and GOP allies (including remarks made at a Republican midterm convention) framed the race around national security and accused El-Sayed of excusing anti-American extremism. GOP-aligned PACs have also aired multiple television ads highlighting Piker’s remarks and tying them to El-Sayed.
• El-Sayed’s Defense and Rebuttal: El-Sayed has repeatedly denounced the 9/11 attacks, calling them unjustified murders of innocent civilians, and labeled Piker’s past statements as “dumb” while distancing himself from the streamer. In turn, El-Sayed attacked Rogers’ legislative record, pointing out that as a former congressman, Rogers voted against the 2010 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which funded medical care and compensation for first responders and survivors.
• Rogers’ Response to Voting Record Criticism: Rogers defended his record on social media, calling accusations that he neglected victims false and noting that he supported immediate aid following the attacks and had advocated for an annual $150 million appropriation rather than the structure of the 2010 bill, which he argued at the time posed fiscal risks.
• Allegations of Islamophobia: El-Sayed’s supporters and Muslim advocacy organizations argued that Republicans are weaponizing the 9/11 anniversary against El-Sayed specifically because of his faith as a practicing Muslim, using guilt-by-association rhetoric to portray him as extreme.
• Pivot to Everyday Issues: El-Sayed expressed frustration with the media’s focus on past controversy and California-based streamers, urging voters and reporters to focus instead on issues affecting Michiganders directly, such as healthcare, economic policy, and foreign relations.