Syndicated columnist Debbie Schlussel broke a story on January 30, on Senator Barack Obama’s close ties with the Nation of Islam (NOI), headed by black racist and anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan. Obama’s Illinois State Senate district consisted of prime Nation of Islam territory, including Hyde Park, home to Farrakhan’s mansion.

Schlussel interviewed a former Obama insider on the condition of anonymity and learned that contrary to Obama’s recent statements distancing himself from Farrakhan and his anti-Jewish views, the Senator actually has staff members who are NOI members included:

     Jennifer Mason, still works in Obama's Chicago Senate office as director of constituency services – a key community liaison position.

     Cynthia K. Miller, identified as a Nation of Islam activist, served Obama in his early state Senate days and later as treasurer for his U.S. senatorial campaign.

    Consultant Shakir Muhammad, another Nation of Islam activist, and former bodyguard for Farrakhan, was paid by Obama's office as a photographer in the late 1990s, held important roles in the Obama state senate campaign.

The former insider confirmed Obama is directly aware of the Nation of Islam members on his staff. Obama’s relationship with recently arrested Tony Rezko is problematic. Rezko is a Syrian Arab who helped Obama purchase his home.