Though she joined the race for nomination much after the other two aspirants, Nikki has already raised over $200,000.

'In a little less than six weeks we were able to raise over $211,000 -- a solid showing in about half a financial quarter,' said the mother of two children.

Asked whether her Indian background will matter in the race, she said: 'What matters most in South Carolina -- and I imagine elsewhere in the country -- is not the personalities of the candidates but the message they carry.

'Our message of bringing good government back to the people of this state, creating jobs by reforming our tax code so it's flatter and fairer, and reminding government of the value of a dollar resonates with all the people of this state.'

Reminded of her maiden campaign in 2004 when her opponents had raised the issue of her ethnic background, she said: 'I imagine my opponents will throw everything they can and more at me over the course of the campaign.

'That said, those opponents will not be the focus of our campaign -- we will keep our focus on reforming the backward way South Carolina's government operates and bringing good government back to the people.'

Nikki added: 'I am very proud of my background and how I was raised. Just as in 2004 I will hold my head high and focus on what I can do for the people of this state.'