Indian-American Raja Krishnamoorthi's bid for the post of Illinois Comptroller got a shot in the arm on Monday with a leading US newspaper "enthusiastically endorsing" him for the post.
In an editorial on 'Election 2010 endorsements', the Chicago Tribune said Krishnamoorthi provides Democrats the ability to "opt for a fresh perspective" in the February 2 primary election.
"Krishnamoorthi, a former deputy treasurer for the state, is a game-changer. He is filled with innovative ideas on how to use the comptroller's office to make all of state government more transparent, efficient and honest," the daily said.
Mark Schauerte, a spokesman for Krishnamoorthi, told PTI the endorsement by the Tribune is encouraging and crucial since "voters rely heavily on endorsements by the city's leading newspaper in making their decision on whom to vote for in the elections".
A Democratic candidate, Krishnamoorthi is one of the six in fray for the post of the state's chief fiscal officer in the February 2 Democratic and Republican primaries election.
During his campaign, Krishnamoorthi proposed putting all state contracts online going forward, so taxpayers can see where their money is going.
He has also pledged to consolidate all contracting opportunities online to increase competition for goods and services while holding down costs for taxpayers.
Tribune said it "enthusiastically endorsed" Krishnamoorthi, who would be the first Asian-American to hold statewide office if elected.
Krishnamoorthi had worked on President Barack Obama's 2004 campaign for the US Senate and had also advised "close friend and mentor" Obama during his presidential campaign.
He has been getting statewide support for his campaign, including endorsements and support from prominent political figures and statewide workers' unions including Illinois State Council of Sheet Metal Workers, Illinois Pipe Trades Association and Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
He has so far raised close to a million dollars for the campaign.
"We are experiencing a twin crisis in Illinois: a financial crisis and a crisis in confidence in state government," Krishnamoorthi had said.
