From CNN's Political Ticker:
'WASHINGTON (CNN) -- On his first day in Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minnesota, the first Muslim elected to Congress, finally met the Republican who criticized him for his decision to use the Koran at his ceremonial swearing in.
Ellison asked another Democratic member to introduce him to Rep Virgil Goode, R-Virgina, who spoke out against Ellison in a letter to constituents last month. Ellison told CNN that he approached Goode on the House floor and the brief meeting went well.
"I shook his hand and shook mine. We greeted each other." Ellison asked Goode to grab a cup of coffee with him soon and Goode accepted.
Asked if he was felt singled out as the first Muslim member, Ellison said no and added, "By reaching out to Congressman Goode I'm not trying to be accepted, I'm trying to build bridges. In this world there are too many misunderstandings. I want to put a human face on things."'
I know that all new classes in Washington bring in an overall tone of cooperation and civility. It must be hard to maintain any cynicism on the first day of a new Congress, with the majesty of the capitol setting a humbling tone to the proceedings. I know when work really begins the gloves will come off. But this exchange does give me some hope. Let's hope it's a sign of things to come, not a last gasp before the chill returns.