Obama's former Indian-American aide to join politics

Six months after quitting the White House, President Barack Obama's former Indian-American chief technology officer Aneesh Chopra has announced plans to seek the Virginia Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2013

In a statement from the state capital of Richmond, Chopra, 39, said, "We live in a time of profound change. In our communities, our Commonwealth and our country, people are looking for pragmatic solutions that address our biggest problems, create opportunities and improve our lives."

"Ideas matter. And so does action to make our economy work for everyone," he said in an announcement that was widely expected since he left the Obama administration in January.

"Since I left my position as US Chief Technology Officer, friends, neighbours, business and community leaders have encouraged me to take action by running for statewide office."

Chopra said, "I'm humbled by their support and pleased to announce that today, after months of reflection, I enthusiastically filed my candidate qualification to seek the Democratic nomination for Lt Governor in 2013."

Chopra was Virginia's secretary of technology in then Governor Tim Kaine's administration before he joined the Obama administration.

Over the next several months, Virginia and the country face important choices, he said. "I will work hard to help elect President Obama, Governor Tim Kaine (who is running for US Senate), and our exceptional roster of Democratic congressional candidates this November."

According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, Chopra has a campaign war chest of more than half a million, raised by a federally registered organization named Innovate Virginia, money that will be transferred to Chopra for Virginia, the organization formed to elect him. So far no other Democrat has announced a bid for the position.