For the past few election cycles, the Asian American community in Illinois has been looking for a candidate who can win and give voice to their concerns. In 2010, the'll have two options: Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi who is running for State Comptroller and Republican Steve Kim who just announced his run for State Attorney General. They both face competitive primaries next February 2nd.

In this report from local station Channel 7, both candidates sound an upbeat message.

"There are no insurmountable obstacles for Asian-Americans, or for that matter, people of other ethnicities," said Krishnamoorthi, who is of Indian ancestry.

On the Democrat side, Krishnamoorthi announced last summer that he is a candidate for state comptroller. The Harvard-educated lawyer is encouraged by U.S. census reports that Asian-Americans now comprise as much as 7 percent of the state's population. Their families originated in dozens of different Asian countries, with most of their number concentrated in Chicago and the collar counties.

The son of successful immigrant parents, Krishnamoorthi says running for public office is a logical next step.

"The next generation is now building on the accomplishments of the first generation, and they're entering public service in large numbers," Krishnamoorthi said.

Let's hope that the progressive Krishnamoorthi, who is an old friend of President Obama and even got election tips from him, can break that glass ceiling.