New York, NY, September 16, 2008 – With less than two months to go before history being made in this year’s Presidential Election, America’s Opportunity Fund (AOF) Co-Chairs, former Washington State Governor Gary Locke and former Cabinet Secretary Norman Mineta are in New York City to announce a Get-Out-To-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 to 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, and Virginia in 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 to supporting GOTV efforts in the State of Nevada during its primary caucus. As a result, there was record breaking attendance within the AAPI communities. Soon afterwards, 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.
And most recently, AOF endorsed five candidates in pivotal races throughout the country. To fulfilling its mission, “AOF supports 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,” according to 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.
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