I just wanted to make a quick post and update people on my campaign for Congress in MN-3 (seat being vacated by Ramstad - R, who's had it for 18 yrs, in district that went 50/50 Bush/Kerry in '04).  Here's the bottom line up front - we raised a lot of money, have a rock-solid organization throughout the district - particularly in comparison with my opponents, and are getting great buzz and media (subscription to Star Tribune required), especially after candidate debates and forums.

We had a debate last night in the 3d CD in MN amongst the 3 candidates vying for the DFL nomination: me, Jim Hovland, and Terri Bonoff.  I guess that it went well for me and we're getting good buzz and support given what people are saying. Solid reviews.

The thing is, I can't really take credit for it.  Honestly.  I feel like people have come to expect so little from Democratic politicians that, if you just talk from your heart a little and say what you really believe, they get really excited.  

My name is Ashwin Madia and I'm running for Congress in Minnesota-3.  I wanted to write in to introduce myself and tell you who I am and why I'm running.

I'm the son of Indian immigrants.  My parents came to this country over thirty years ago and had $19 between them when they first got to Boston.  Their first purchase was an $11 bottle of champagne, so I guess they really started with just $8.  People in this country were very kind to them: they helped them find winter clothes (my parents had never seen snow before); baby sat me for nothing when I was young and my parents were working; and even gave them furniture.  My parents are hard-working and talented; they ended up doing very well and living their own version of the American Dream.  We moved all around the country as I was growing up, and we eventually came to Minnesota when I was in high-school.