NEW YORK: The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) has endorsed the candidacy of Indian American Ashwin Madia to Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. The third congressional district of Minnesota voted 49% for Democratic Presidential contender John Kerry in 2004, and continues to trend Democrat.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has made this race one of its top ten priorities as this seat has been held by Republicans for nearly fifty years.Madia's parents came to the United States from India nearly 40 years ago and are living every immigrant's American dream. Madia is the only South Asian American of Indian heritage running for an open seat in Congress this year. According to a press release, PAKPAC President Dr. Saud Anwar met with Madia, followed by a multiple meetings and discussions with the latter's policy director.

The endorsement committee of PAKPAC subsequently had a meeting with Madia to discuss issues of concern following which it unanimously approved Madia's candidacy. Subsequently the PAKPAC Board gave its approved as well. PAKPAC believes that Madia's campaign has widespread support across the political spectrum, having gained backing from business groups, veterans' organizations, labor unions, environmental groups, civil rights groups and more.

He has committed to responsibly ending the Iraq War; balancing the national budget and paying down the national debt; addressing global climate change and investing in a new, green economy; making health care more affordable and accessible; and standing up for civil liberties. PAKPAC has since asked the Pakistani American community residing in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District to donate to the Madia campaign and not only vote themselves but make sure that their friends also go out and vote on Election Day.

This district is one of the most affluent in the state, encompassing the suburbs of Hennepin County to the north, west, and south of Minneapolis. It has blue collar Brooklyn Park to the north, middle-income Bloomington to the south, and higher-income Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Plymouth and Wayzata to the West.

Madia, a Plymouth resident, is an attorney and Iraq War veteran who has won the endorsement of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) against other candidates including State Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL); the only announced candidate for the Republican nomination is Erik Paulsen (R-MN).

Madia's candidacy was announced after the incumbent; Jim Ramstad (Republican) announced his retirement in 2007, which gave an opportunity for both major parties to field potential candidates. The district is ranked as one of the top ten most likely to switch parties in 2008.

Just as his parents dreamed that it would, America has provided Madia with many opportunities. He now hopes to draw on his record of leadership, service, and advocacy to represent the western suburbs in the US Congress.