South Asians favour Kerry, claims campaign manager

A campaign manager for Kerry's presidential run believes South Asian vote is squarely on his candidate's side.

A campaign manager for Senator John Kerry's presidential run believes the South Asian vote is squarely on his candidate's side, especially in swing states that could decide who gets to the White House Nov 2.

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Shahid Ahmed Khan, National Finance Co-Chair of Senator John Kerry's campaign for president, said Democrats are hoping new immigrants, particularly Muslims and South Asians as well as other minorities, will come to the polls in larger numbers.

"We are pretty comfortable," Khan.

"Immigrant populations are very important in the swing states like Michigan, Ohio, Florida - Muslim populations are significant here. There are more than 100,000 in Ohio alone, and we are employing multiple strategies to get their vote."

However, Khan conceded that latest polls put Kerry behind President Bush by eight points and barely ahead in Ohio, but added: "In those states the swing voters are going to be critical."

He said the fundraising prowess of the Indian American was recognized by President Bush's campaign just as much as it is in the Democratic campaign.

"In Houston, the South Asians put together a fundraiser attended by Teresa Heinz Kerry and raised $800,000," Khan said.

Khan said Muslims in the US would vote for Kerry as they feel "a sense of umbrage about anti-Muslim sentiments on the rise in the country".

"This election is becoming more like a mission for many. So many will vote for Kerry who may not be in his fan club."