Ashwin Madia, a former marine who served in Iraq, has entered the race for Congress from Minnesota, in a seat being vacated by Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad.
From IALI, the Indian-American Leadership Initiative:
Madia is a first generation American, his parents came to the U.S. with $19 in their pockets. He graduated from Osseo High School, the University of Minnesota and NYU Law. After law school, when I’m sure many of his friends were accepting big-salary jobs with law firms all across the country, Ash enlisted in the Marine Corps and served four years, including a tour in Iraq.
Until recently, Madia worked as an associate at a law firm in Minneapolis.
Drawing on his experience in Iraq, Madia plans to make the war a major issue in his campaign. He also hopes to focus on balancing the budget and fighting global warming. What he stressed most frequently, however, is his desire for this campaign to be a real dialogue between the candidates. Madia says he wants as many debates and candidate forums as possible, noting that open congressional seats don’t come around very often.
With no elected experience and no history with party regulars, Madia certainly has an uphill climb. He’s seeking to break into politics in a congressional race that is likely to be among the most competitive in the country – and a race that already has an excellent DFL candidate. There is no question that he is an underdog in this race. That being said, Madia is certainly talented and articulate. Underestimate him at your own peril.
Coverage elsewhere:
- KSTP-TV: "Iraq veteran Madia to run for 3rd Congressional District"
- Pioneer Press: "Iraq war veteran to run for Ramstadt's seat in Congress"
Visit Ashwin Madia's campaign site.
