By Arun Kumar

Washington, Aug 12(IANS): Satveer Chaudhary, an Indian American member of the Minnesota Senate, has lost his seat after serving the state for 14 years. He lost his primary election to challenger and former State House representative Barb Goodwin.

Just four years after his election to the House in 1996, Chaudhary became Minnesota's first Asian-American and then youngest senator as also the highest ranking Asian-Indian official in the nation.

Chaudhary, who in 1996 became the first Asian-American lawmaker in the Minnesota House of Representatives, represented his District 50 for four years as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and 10 years as the State Senator.The 41 year-old attorney and small businessman will serve out his senate term through December.

"I congratulate Barb Goodwin on her victory, and wish her the best in her bid for the Senate," said the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labour Party member in a statement conceding defeat.

"The next several years in Minnesota will determine the legacy we leave to our children and the quality of life we provide for our parents and grandparents. I leave the Capitol with my head held high, having promoted the highest standards of truth and decency," he said.

"I helped make real change, from conservation to education, and it's something I'll always be proud of. My family and I are looking forward to a fresh new chapter in our lives," Chaudhary said.

A lifetime resident of Fridley and Columbia Heights graduate, Chaudhary graduated from St.Olaf College and University of Minnesota Law School. The active role Chaudhary has taken in Minnesota politics is evidence of traits handed down by his parents, who emigrated to the US from India in the 1960s.

He said, "My parents taught me to value education, hard work, and to never forget how we began."