Ashwin Madia Ashwin's parents came to America from India with $19 in cash and a dream that America would provide great opportunities for their children.  Ashwin has taken his parent's idealism and never taken anything for granted.  A graduate of the University of Minnesota and NYU's Law School, Ashwin joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving as a prosecutor, defense counsel and legal advisor.  Serving as the lead counsel in over one hundred trials, Ashwin is most proud of his work defending a gay Marine from administrative discharge in 2005 when is was clear that commanders were using disparate standards in their treatment of this Marine compared to other Marines. While stationed in Baghdad from September 2005 to March 2006, Ashwin worked with U.S. military and civilian officials, European Union and United Nations representatives, and Iraqi judicial officers to strengthen the Iraqi criminal justice system. He also briefed top U.S. generals on the status of the rule of law in the country. Just as his parents dreamed that it would, America has provided Ashwin with many opportunities.  Ashwin now hopes to draw on his record of leadership, service, and advocacy to represent Minnesota's 3rd District in the U.S. Congress. Learn more about Ashwin's campaign at http://www.madiaforcongress.com/ Other featured candidates: Ashwin Madia Rick Noriega John Hall Sherrod Brown Patty Wetterling Phil Angelides Jerry McNerney Rich Olive Bill Winter John Courage All "Pick a Progressive Patriot" Candidates