Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American, Harvard-educated attorney, lost a close election for Illinois State Comptroller earlier this month in the primaries.

However, he may have another chance, at a higher office: Lieutenant Governor.

From ABC, WLS-TV news:

The Democrats are tossing around names to replace Scott Lee Cohen, who resigned over the weekend as candidate for lieutenant governor.

Democratic leaders don’t like talking about it publicly, but some believe the party’s fall ticket should be more diverse. They also believe that Cohen’s resignation allows the party a chance to add diversity, which is why two Asian Americans are getting serious buzz.

“A lot of people know us. I don’t need to re-introduce myself in a big way,” said Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Peoria-raised Krishnamoorthi says his losing effort in the democratic primary for state comptroller has proven his ability to win votes downstate and to raise money. Running a positive ad campaign, the 35-year-old Harvard-educated lawyer finished less than a percentage point behind nominee David Miller. He raised $1.1 million and said there’s more money to help the fall ticket if he’s selected.

“A lot of supporters who helped me in this race will provide that energy and most needed as a democratic party,” said Krishnamoorthi.

Another possible replacement candidate is Tammy Duckworth, who was unavailable for comment. Democratic sources tell ABC7 that some party leaders favor Duckworth or Krishnamoorthi because they are qualified Asian Americans and would add diversity to the fall ticket.