Her campaign seems vigorous; her volunteers have placed yard signs everywhere, completely swamping her 22 year-old Republican opponent Cory Crowley's appeal. And in terms of funds raised, she ranks as high as fourth among all Democratic candidates in the upcoming election - but believes even more is needed, especially for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, for whom she has been campaigning.

It is a tough campaign, Dandekar says; she is further hampered by her legislative work, and her special responsibilities as a member of several committees. It is not that she is complaining. Freshman members are not normally given membership in important committees, so the fact that she has been picked out is an honour; plus, the media takes note. But it is still hard work, and takes away from the time she has to campaign.

The district has around 20,000 voters, predominantly white. "People know you, but they don't know you very well. So nothing can be taken for granted," Dandekar told rediff.com, pointing out that the district has more Republicans than Democrats as registered voters.

Upping the ante further is the fact that the GOP has identified her constituency as one of the major battles, and is pulling out all stops to try and defeat her. Dandekar believes she has a record that speaks for itself. "I am very happy to work for the people and I enjoy my work. Every day I get about 800 emails from my constituents. It is a sign of appreciation."

She is happy that she played an important role in the Kerry campaign as its co-chair for the state, and points out that it was Iowa that voted for Kerry at a time when Howard Dean was believed to be the front-runner. Her opponent, Cory Crowley, says he is a long-time community and political activist. He currently serves on the staff of US Senator Chuck Grassley in Washington, DC, focusing on constituent services, case work, and grants.

Earlier, he had served as co-chair for the Linn County Republican Party and worked as executive liaison for Governmental Affairs at Enlighten Technologies in Cedar Rapids. He is a volunteer Discovery Instructor with the Smithsonian Institute.

"I believe that my experience working for Iowa alongside Senator Grassley has prepared me to be an effective, fiscally conservative, bipartisan leader in the Iowa House," Crowley told rediff.com "I am running for office in House District 36 because I believe in the potential of our state. I believe that we can rein in spending and balance the budget."

Dandekar, India Abroad's Person of the Year 2003, recalls the political dictum that the hardest battle in politics is your first re-election campaign. "We are taking nothing for granted," she says. "We are campaigning hard, and taking no chances."