(KDKA) The first thing you need to know about D. Raja is his name.

“My only name is Raja, and I just took the initial D.” Raja told KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano.

Delano: “So you prefer that everyone call you Raja?”

Raja: “Correct, correct.”

Delano: “Kind of like Madonna?”

Raja: “I don’t know if I would go there, Jon,” says Raja with a big laugh.

We’re closing in fast on the March 8 deadline to formally place Raja’s name on the May Primary ballot, and we need your help.
Please make sure you’re qualified to circulate by reviewing the following checklist:

• I am registered to vote
• I am registered as a Republican.
• I am registered at an Allegheny County, Pennsylvania address (the same address you’ll list on the circulator’s affidavit at the end of each petition page)

Thanks for all you’re doing to transform Allegheny County!

Photos: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH, PA – This morning, local technology CEO and Mt. Lebanon Commissioner D. Raja officially announced his campaign for Allegheny County Executive in the historic Ewart Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, Raja cited his experience as a job creating CEO and tax cutting local elected official and laid out a vision for a county government that would help bring jobs back to the region.

“We need to focus on creating jobs. Particularly focus on startups, which account for most new jobs. We need to attract companies like Groupon, founded by an entrepreneur from my backyard – Mt. Lebanon. I want that CEO and those jobs to come home to Pittsburgh from Chicago,” said Raja.

Raja continued, “I’ve never been part of county government. I don’t bring old political alliances, or for that matter the baggage of old politics. What I will bring to the office of county executive is fundamental fairness—a philosophy that will put taxpayers first, from the awarding of contracts to the implementation of services, our goal will be to identify what works best for the people of Allegheny County.”

“I will bring something else as well: a track record of creating jobs and opportunity here, and a firsthand understanding of the ways an inefficient county government and high taxes have made that harder.”

State Senator John Pippy released a statement in support of Raja’s candidacy, noting, “Raja’s experience cutting taxes in local government and creating jobs is exactly what we need in county government. I am proud to support his campaign for county executive.”

County GOP Chairman Jim Roddey also released a statement saying, “I would like to thank Raja for his willingness to run for county executive. His success as an entrepreneur and his experience as a Mt. Lebanon Commissioner make him a excellent candidate for this important position.”

Earlier this morning Raja also conducted a virtual video announcement on his campaign website, JoinRaja.com.

Raja’s Announcement coverage: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | WDUQ

We invite you to attend an historic event on Thursday, February 17, 2011, at 10:00 am in the lobby of the Ewart Building located at 925 Liberty Avenue in the Cultural District of downtown Pittsburgh. Raja is officially kicking off his campaign for Allegheny County Executive.

This is the first step of a long journey to bring jobs, fiscal discipline, and real leadership to Allegheny County.

WHAT: Raja for County Executive Announcement

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011

TIME: 10:00am

WHERE: Ewart Building
925 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

After graduating from Pitt, Raja co-founded a business in the spare bedroom of his South Hills apartment. Today, he employs hundreds of men and women designing and building software for businesses across the country. As a Mt. Lebanon Commissioner, Raja has cut taxes and improved service. As Mt. Lebanon Republican Chairman Raja led him committee to historic victories last fall. As a testament to his leadership, Raja was asked to co-author the RCAC Strategic plan.

Please join us as we kick off Raja’s campaign. You can RSVP by calling Dan Alfaro at 412-475-9461 or via email at dan@joinraja.com.