San Francisco, CA, September 25, 2008 – Former Washington State Governor Gary Locke will be attending a fundraiser on October 8, 2008 in San Francisco on behalf of his PAC, America’s Opportunity Fund (AOF). He will be meeting with local community and business leaders to discuss the role of Asian Americans in battleground states in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Locke, along with Co-Chair, former Cabinet Secretary Norman Mineta, recently announced a Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) program that specifically target the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate in battleground states.
According to Mineta, “AOF plans to provide assistance in key battleground states in order to implement a voter outreach and get-out-the-vote program to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. These activities consist of phone banking, campaign literature, mailers and ad buys. We are looking at key states such as Nevada, Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia and other battleground states where we believe AAPI's can make a significant difference in the outcome of elections".
Last year, AOF provided financial assistance to Congressman Mike Honda’s (CA-15th) leadership PAC, New Vision America, by supporting GOTV efforts in the State of Nevada during its primary caucus. As a result, there was record breaking attendance within the AAPI communities. In addition, AOF also supplemented funds to assist with yet another GOTV effort in the State of Texas that was focused again on the AAPI community to encourage attendance at their caucuses and to vote in the Presidential Primary election.
AOF recently endorsed five federal candidates in pivotal races throughout the country. “The mission of AOF is to support progressive candidates who are sympathetic and sensitive to issues that affect people of color, and who inspire participation in government for the benefit of all Americans,” stated Locke.
Both Locke and Mineta have been touring the country hosting numerous events promoting the PAC, which has been met with overwhelming support across the nation. They were both clear about the purpose of their new organization, by stating "we cannot take for granted participation from Asian American and Pacific Islanders and other ethnic communities in the 2008 Election. 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."
AOF will continue to watch these races, and others, as the weeks go on leading up to November 4th General Election.