Michigan State Senator Hansen Clarke, who attended the launch of APAP's Detroit Chapter last year, has just announced that he is running for Congress. Clarke, who switches from his run for Governor, becomes the seventh South Asian to run for Congress this year. All of them are Democrats.

From Restore Fairness blog

When it comes to the issue of immigration, what quickly comes to American minds? Given that reporters repeatedly write about immigrants crossing the Mexican-U.S. border, the likely response: Hispanics. This focus, unfortunately, has devolved into deleterious scapegoating of immigrants from Central and South America. This is hardly a fair burden for Hispanics to carry, as immigration realities are much more diverse.

I spoke today with an aide for Rep. Mike Quiqley (IL). He stated that Congress is still hoping to hear what comes out of committee before making a final decision about health care reform. I did ask about the recent loss in Massachusetts and how that might effect the process, he stated that they were not concerned about it and it didn't effect how Quiqley or Congress would conduct business.