‘Samosa Caucus’ in focus as 100 Indian-Americans run for mid-term polls

Team Udayavani, Nov 5, 2018, 2:57 PM IST

Washington: At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at its peak, nearly 100 Indian-Americans are on the ballot for the US midterm elections and have emerged as strong contenders.

While all eyes will be on the so-called “Samosa Caucus” — the unofficial group of five Indian-Americans in the current Congress — the emergence of such a large number of young Indian-Americans reflects the growing desire of this small ethnic community comprising one per cent of the US population.

“It has been incredible to see the rise of Indian-Americans in US politics,” former US ambassador to India Richard Verma said. All four Indian-American lawmakers in the present House of Representatives are expected to easily sail through Tuesday’s midterm polls.

They are three-term Congressman Ami Bera from the seventh Congressional district of California and three first timers, who are seeking their re-election: Ro Khanna from 17th Congressional District of California, Raja Krishnamoorthi from eighth Congressional District of Illinois and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from seventh Congressional District of Washington State. The four incumbents are joined by seven other Indian-Americans on the ballot for House of Representatives.

Entrepreneur Shiv Ayyadurai is the sole Indian-American to be running for Senate. He has pitched himself as an independent against the powerful Elizabeth Warren — a potential Democratic presidential candidate — for the Senate seat in Massachusetts.

But they are not all. “This year, nearly 100 Indian-Americans ran for office in all levels of government, including some who could flip House seats from red to blue,” John Santos, spokesperson for AAPI media of Democratic National Committee, said.

This election could be transformational — sending a number of new members into the House of Representatives and state legislatures as well, observed Verma, who has campaigned for several Indian-Americans running for offices. “From Arizona, to Texas, Ohio, Michigan and beyond – we have a great slate of Indian-American candidates,” “I hope that our number (in the Congress) increases,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi told PTI in an interview.

Krishnamoorthi, who has raised more than USD 5 million, according to latest figures of the Federal Election Commission, had coined the term “Samosa Caucus” in the Congress. When Bera was elected for the Congress for the first time six years ago, he had hoped that in a decade, the number of Indian-Americans would be in double digit.

If Desis for Progress are to be believed, the community is moving in that direction. At least three Indian-Americans are locked up in toss-up races – Tipirneni, Kulkarni and Pureval. NBC News this week also listed out the three Indian-Americans as those who could make a difference in their races.

Verma feels the only way to give the Indian-American candidates a chance to serve is to get out and vote. “The stakes are so high. This is the most important election of my lifetime.”

The former American diplomat said he was disappointed and concerned at the “racist, anti-immigrant” closing argument made by President Donald Trump and thinks this kind of fear mongering should concern all Americans, particularly immigrants.

“We have to stand up and be heard at the ballot box so we can stamp out the fear and hate, and prop up the terrific crop of candidates who have shown the courage to run and who are running on a very positive, inclusive and pro-growth agenda,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi echoed Verma, saying it all starts with voters getting out and making sure that their voice is heard on the election day. “I want to see greater number (of Indian-Americans for elected office) and I’d like to see them happen across the geographic landscape.”

According to Santos, these candidates have put districts in play that President Trump won because they are talking about the issues that matter to voters, like protecting access to quality and affordable healthcare and investing in higher education.

“The DNC is proud to have the backs of Indian-American candidates running up and down the ticket who are working hard to engage diverse constituencies and expand participation of communities who often feel ignored and left behind,” Santos said.