Bangalore: Dr. Syed Taj, an Indian American physician will be contesting as the democratic candidate for the United States Congress from Michigan's District 11, reports George Joseph of Rediff.

Michigan District 11 is an area where a large population of Asians lives, which includes Indian Americans as well. Around 10 percent in 500,000 voters are Indians and Pakistanis. "This is a district where people are highly educated and affluent compared to other parts of Michigan," Taj said.

Syed earlier ran for Canton Township trustee in the year 2008 and was elected as Democrat. "My trustee position has given me the opportunity to listen and work with the community, serve on the board of directors of the Canton Community Foundation and the Wayne County Senior Alliance," he said. "I worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to aggressively attract businesses, lowered the personal property tax and offset the rising cost of water for our township."

"Let me tell you why I decided to run for Congress. I have been very fortunate to be able to provide for my family and put my son through college. However, many of my patients and constituents are not as fortunate, though they are hardworking and skilled," he said.

"Many could not find work due to Michigan's high unemployment. As a small business owner, I understand how jobs are created and I will work with the private sector to bring good paying jobs to Michigan. As a physician, I understand how the financial and the medical side of our health system actually work. This experience has taught me how to treat the symptoms of a problem and when to treat the actual problem."

"Americans are tired of Washington's political games and the failed divide and conquer strategies of our current system. They want an independent voice who can work across the aisle."

Syed, who shifted to U.S. in the 1970s, started his career as a medical resident and is now the chief of medicine at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn.