Former Washington State Governor Gary Locke and Norm Mineta, Commerce Secretary serving under President Clinton, have formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) called America's Opportunity Fund. Two leaders of Asian descent, Locke and Mineta are committed to increasing the political participation in the Asian Pacific Islander communities across the country. The PAC is dedicated to providing leadership opportunities for candidates who reflect Democratic values: honest government, healthy families, strong community, hard work, love of country, respect and trust.
About the PAC's Co-Chairs:
Governor Locke was elected Washington State's 21st Governor on November 5, 1996, making him the first Chinese American governor in U.S. history. He served for two terms and now is a Partner with Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Seattle. As Governor, Locke's organizational and managerial accomplishments were recognized by Governing Magazine, naming Washington as one of America's five best managed states; as a finalist in the Harvard Innovations in Government program; and as the Most Digital State Government.
During the 2004 presidential campaign, Governor Locke, in concert with Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), co-chaired the (Asian Pacific Islander American) Democratic Presidential Steering Committee for Senator John Kerry. Considerable resources were raised and expended to encourage members of the Asian Pacific Islander American community to engage in the political process. The outcome resulted in historic APIA turnout for the Democratic presidential nominee.
Norm Mineta has a long and distinguished public service career. In 2006 he was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom award, the nation's highest civilian honor. The Medal recognizes high achievement in public service, science, the arts, education, athletics and other fields.
He served in the Cabinet of both Republican and Democratic presidents, first as Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton, and in 2001 was appointed Secretary of Transportation under President Bush. He is the longest serving Secretary of Transportation in history. Currently, Mr. Mineta is Vice Chairman of Hill & Knowlton and is based in its Washington, DC office.
About America's Opportunity Fund:
The mission of the Fund is to provide opportunities for candidates, and communities of color, to participate fully in the electoral process at the federal and statewide level.
The goals of the Fund are to affect a marked increase in the number of elected officials who embrace and understand the needs of communities of color; generate significant funds to support our mission in targeted states throughout the country; increase voter visibility and participation to support AOF endorsed candidates to achieve victory.
"We cannot take for granted participation from Asian Pacific Islander Americans and other ethnic communities in the 2008 Election," explain Locke and Mineta. "We are committed to providing full access to the electoral process by encouraging active participation in, and by, communities of color. And, we recognize the need to encourage political candidates to campaign fully in these important communities."