Seattle, WA, May 27, 2008 – A fundraising breakfast to benefit America’s Opportunity Fund will be hosted by Former Washington State Governor Gary Locke at the Westin Hotel on May 29, 2008. Guest of honor will be former Congressional Candidate Tammy Duckworth.
Former Secretary Norman Mineta who co-chairs America’s Opportunity Fund PAC, along with Locke, are committed to supporting progressive candidates at the federal level in pivotal races who are sympathetic and sensitive to the issues of people of color. 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.
Tammy Duckworth, who currently serves as the Director of Veterans’ Affairs for the State of Illinois will be the special guest. A Major in the Army National Guard, Tammy served in Iraq and flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission in 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting, and as a result of the attack, Tammy lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received many decorations for her service in Iraq, including the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
In 2006, Tammy Duckworth ran for U.S. Congress, losing to her Republican opponent by only 3% of the vote. She has since continued to work on behalf of veterans as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and continues to serve in the Illinois Army National Guard. (Note: Tammy Duckworth appears in a personal capacity and not as a representative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Illinois National Guard)
"We are grateful for Tammy’s dedication to public service and we’re proud to having her support in our endeavor," stated Locke.
Both Locke and Mineta recently toured 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 Pacific Islander Americans 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."
For more information, please go to http://www.americasopportunityfund.com
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