With the presidential election about to enter the party convention phase in a few weeks, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney announced earlier this past week the formation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Romney:
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have wonderful cultures that enrich all of America,” said Mitt Romney. “For generations, members of this community have contributed to our country, started new businesses and invented new products, and served with honor and distinction in the fight to protect freedom all around the world. I am honored to have the support of such great Asian Americans, and look forward to working with them to get our country on the right track again.
Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001-2009) under President George W. Bush will be heading up Romney’s effort as the national chair of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Romney. Chao will have a great challenge ahead of her – as noted in the recent Pew Research study, Asian Americans tend to lean more Democratic (50% to 28% Republican, with 22% considered independent). The two states that Asian Americans could really swing the vote for either Obama or Romney are Nevada and Virginia.
Co-chairs of AAPIs for Romney include Congressman Steve Austria (R-OH), Akshay Desai, CEO of Universal Healthcare , former Assistant U.S. Attorney General Viet Dinh, former Congressman Charles Djou, (R-HI), former Director of the U.S. Mint Edmund Moy, former Congresswoman Patricia Saiki, (R-HI) and Ambassador Sichan Siv.
[Image Source: Romney Campaign Site.]
