NEW YORK: Ashish Mahendru, Democratic candidate for the 125th District Court, held the first fundraiser of his campaign at the River Oaks home of Harry and Karen Susman on Oct 16, raising more than $60,000.Speaking before a packed room of supporters, Mahendru emphasized the need for a balanced judiciary.

"It's time we have an open dialog and debate between both parties in the judiciary. The residents of the largest county in Texas deserve the best representation we have to offer in our judicial system," Mahendru said.Susman, of the law firm Susman & Godfrey where Mayor Bill White once served as partner, lent his support to the Mahendru campaign saying, "Ashish can lead the way in diversifying the Harris County judiciary, not only as a Democrat but as the first elected Indian-American judge."Mahendru said he comes from a long line of public servants and has dedicated his life to helping others.

In 2005, he led efforts by the Houston Bar Association to assist tsunami victims, raising more than $70,000.Mahendru also lead a team of lawyers in the successful McDonald's French fry class action litigation, which resulted in a $10 million settlement from McDonald's.

Money from that settlement directly benefited several South Asian organizations. In attendance were former Council Member Gordon Quan, representatives from Congressman Nick Lampson's office and prominent lawyers and business leaders from the Houston community. Mahendru was asked to run for the State District Court Judge position by prominent members of the Harris County Democratic Party in Texas. State Court judges are elected rather than appointed in Texas and Houston comprises a large portion of Harris County.

In fact there are more voters in this county than in 24 of the United States thus it is an important election.It is also a historic moment for the Indian American community. In November 2008 Mahendru will become the first elected District Court Judge of South Asian descent in the United States. As Judge, he will preside over all civil litigation matters. Mahendru's wife, Sameera Kapasi Mahendru, is an Assistant City Attorney.