Seattle, WA -- October 22, 2008 -- America’s Opportunity Fund (AOF) co-chairs, former Washington State Governor Gary Locke and former Cabinet Secretary Norman Mineta recently announced its Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) program that specifically targets the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate in battleground states for the 2008 General Election.
A recent study conducted by The National Asian American Survey (NAAS), revealed that more than one-third (34%) of likely Asian American voters remain undecided. “This survey reaffirms the impact in which AAPIs can make in this Presidential election,” stated Locke. “These undecided voters are a critical source of support for both candidates in the final two weeks of the campaign.”
According to Mineta, “AOF will implement a GOTV program that specifically targets these “likely undecided” AAPI voters. We will be conducting a direct mail program to Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia where we believe AAPI's can make a significant difference in the outcome of the November 4th election.” “AOF will also be placing strategic ad buys in key AAPI communities throughout the country,” stated Mineta.
AOF recently endorsed six 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." Both co-chairs will be traveling to key battleground states leading up to the November 4th General Election to speak an overall message to getting the AAPI vote out.
For more information, please go to http://www.americasopportunityfund.com