A big night for Asian Democrats
September 22, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
Advertisements
The word of the night was “represent” as Asian Americans gathered at a special reception for national Asian Democratic leaders on Sept. 10 at the Chinatown restaurant off Far West.
The room was packed with people eager to greet members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus of the Democratic National Committee.
“It’s a great opportunity to get together from various parts of the country,” said local attorney Todd Wong of the event. “It’s a real vibrant group. It shows the power of this group of people of everyone wanting to make a difference.”
DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong, a featured speaker at the event, talked of making sure Asian Americans were represented at all levels of government.
“At the DNC level we don’t have any Asian Americans from Texas. I think that’s a shame,” she said. “At the state level, Hubert Vo is the only one. With a state this size, and with large Asian population, certainly we should room the next Asian American generation. Wouldn’t that be nice to have the next generation a representative from Texas be Asian American? It’s very possible.”
The event was hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas and the Capital Area Asian American Democrats was a sponsor. Ramey Ko, president of CAAAD, remarked that Republicans are losing Asian Americans.
"Tonight's amazing turnout demonstrates once again that Asian Americans want more inclusion and respect, not more fear-mongering and distortions,” Ko said. “The Democratic Party is focused on real solutions to the problems that really matter to Asian Americans, from access to quality, affordable health care to small business development to family-oriented immigration reform."
AJ Durrani, president AADT, talked about increasing Asian American representation at the state level with grassroots organizations, outreach and seminars.
Democratic candidates Hank Gilbert, Tom Schieffer, John Sharp and Bill White also spoke at the event.
The event was also a way for people to get to know candidates in local races.
Brandy Mueller, who is running for judge County Court-at-Law #6, explained that the Democratic primaries in March will be a heated race with several Democratic candidates against the one Republican candidate in November.
“This is exciting to see a group like this energized about Democratic candidates – a lot of people are not as excited about judicial candidates,” Mueller said.
Harish Kotecha, who attended the event, said while he was encouraged by the turnout, there is a need to further energize Asian activity in Austin.
“This country has gone too far in brutal capitalism. I would love to see Asians get involved more and involved, and this is a good way,” Kotecha said.
PHOTO: Todd Wong, Bel Leong-Hong and Ramey Ko.
ADVERTISEMENTS
0 comments - be the first to comment!