Indian-American plays key role for Obama

The appointment came two months ago, at the height of the campaign clash with Senator Hillary Clinton and Sevugan wasted no time in going after the New York Democrat in the defence of his boss. After Obama emerged as the likely party nominee, he has since started training his guns on Republican rival John McCain on domestic and foreign policy issues.

In addition to Sevugan, the Obama team also recently added Anita Dunn to its communications team. Dunn is expected to work on larger strategic issues of the campaign as well as be a key member of long-term planning.

The son of Indian-American immigrants, Sevugan graduated from the University of Illinois, majoring in political science and finance. After getting a degree from the Northwestern School of Law, Sevugan practised securities law in Chicago for two years and then entered politics for public service 8212; first at state level before moving on to the national scene.

Sevugan8217;s political experience and acumen comes from running the campaigns of Governor Martin O8217;Malley of Maryland for whom he was communications director as also playing a critical role in Tim Kaine8217;s campaign for Governor of Virginia last year.