Rano Singh is the Democratic candidate for state treasurer in Arizona. Singh was “catapulted … into public service” by the racist murder of Mesa based gas station owner, Balbir Singh Sodhi, after the September 11th attacks. (Singh is also Sikh.)

“For me, it was definitely the 9/11 situation that propelled me to give service… for the future of the country, the future of our children,” Singh told News India-Times. “Our leadership here in Arizona was incredible and made sure hate crimes were stamped out immediately. I was very involved after his killing. He was our friend and was known to everyone in the community…” [Link]

She joined the state attorney general’s Hate Crimes Task Force that year, became president of the India Association of Phoenix and in 2002, was appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano to the Citizens Finance Review Commission. In 2004, Singh ran for the state Legislature. [Link]

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p>Although Singh lost in 2004, she was undaunted, and won the Democratic primary unopposed.

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p>Although a newcomer to elected office, her chances were boosted considerably when the Republican incumbent was forced to agree to step down as part of his plea bargain. This allows her to run as an outside candidate who will clean up an office that has repeatedly been embroiled in scandal:

“We must restore integrity and trust to the office by providing ethical and professional leadership,” said Singh… “There must be internal controls in place so conflicts of interest and collusion are eliminated…” [Link]

The last Treasurer lost $131 million dollars due to the alleged fraud and mismanagement of National Century Financial Enterprises. Lance Poulsen, the CEO of National Century Financial Enterprises, was a high flying campaign donor. Too many politicians have seen the Office of Treasurer as an opportunity to give jobs to political cronies, friends and even family members.(Arizona Republic 2/24/2006). I am not a politician. I will always place competence first. [Link]

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p>She’s also playing the geek card, pointing out that she’s more qualified than the man currently holding the job:

The current State Treasurer does not have a college degree. His primary qualification was that he served in the State Senate for three terms. I would bring to the Treasurer’s office years of business experience and a master’s degree in organizational management. [Link]

Despite this history of scandal in this office, the only poll I could find (from 6 weeks ago) had her as the underdog candidate:

Finally, in the state treasurer’s race, Republican Dean Martin led Democrat Rano Singh 40 percent to 26 percent. Thirty-four percent were undecided. [Link]

Singh for statewide office … I like the ring of that