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Oct. 18 - Oct. 24, 2002
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By Rodney Jay C. Salinas
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In the race for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, incumbent Alice Lai-Bitker was attacked on several occasions earlier this year. Her opponent, Alameda Mayor Ralph Appezzato, distributed two pieces of campaign literature that were racist, xenophobic and offensive. One item was headlined, “What Color Is Your Supervisor?” and featured photos of the entire Board of Supervisors, two of whom are African American, two Caucasian and one APA. The second piece of campaign literature contained a long list of contributors with predominantly Asian surnames and stated, “Alice Lai-Bitker has taken $56,000 in campaign contributions from special interests outside our community.” And at the bottom of the flyer? The words “Us vs. Them.” Appezzato’s dirty tricks worked and the two are now faced in a tight run-off on Nov. 5.
Rainmaker Odds: Lai-Bitker favored, 5 to 4 (55.6 percent chance).
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Democrat Stan Matsunaka is the best bet for an APA addition to the U.S. Congress in his bid for the 4th Congressional District. As the Colorado State Senate President, Matsunaka enjoys wide name recognition and a fundraising advantage over his opponent, fellow state senator Marilyn Musgrave, a Republican. Matsunaka is known for appealing to Republican voters with centrist views on the issues, which is sure to help him again in the newly created district, which includes a large population of Republicans. His track record on the issues and his aggressive campaign style are sure to give Matsunaka the edge.
Rainmaker Odds: Matsunaka favored, 5 to 4 (55.6 percent chance).
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In this minority-majority state, the question is whether or not the governor’s mansion will continued to be occupied by an APA named Mazie Hirono or whether Linda Lingle will pull off a historical victory. For more than two decades, the governor has been an APA male, but this year’s election will witness the arrival of the state’s first female governor. With a rocky economy, many Hawaiians are calling for change in government, but Hirono has answered critics by demonstrating her strong legislative record and keen decision-making skills as lieutenant governor. Moreover, with the passing of Rep. Patsy T. Mink in September, the strong Democratic voter base may be well mobilized to go to the polls to show their respect for the late-Congresswoman.
Rainmaker Odds: Hirono slightly favored, 12 to 11 (52.2 percent chance).
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Physician John Young bested several fellow Democrats, including fellow APA Jinhee Kim Wilde, to earn the party nomination in September. He is well positioned to win a seat in the 15th District of the State House of Delegates in November. With the endorsements of key party officials and local newspapers, Young intends to put his health care background to good use in the legislature. Because three delegates represent the district, Young has an excellent chance of winning a seat in the House.
Rainmaker Odds: Young favored, 5 to 4 (55.6 percent chance).
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At the young age of 30, Hmong American community leader Cy Thao may very well be the newest addition to the State House of Representatives, District 65A. Running with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party nomination, Thao has the advantage in this heavily Democratic district of St. Paul. More importantly, he is not facing an incumbent, because Andy Dawnkins (DFL) is not running for re-election. Instead, his opponent is Republican Gary Wayne DeYoung. With ample support from the local APA community, including State Senators Satveer Chaudhary (DFL) and Mee Moua (DFL), Thao may well be headed to the State Capitol. If Thao wins his election, he would be one of the youngest legislators in the State House.
Rainmaker Odds: Thao favored, 5 to 4 (55.6 percent chance).
New YorkManhattan Housing Court Judge Doris Ling-Cohan is one step closer to being the first APA woman to serve on the New York State Supreme Court. The Democratic Party Judicial Convention nominated her by a unanimous vote in September. With cross-party endorsements and a voter registration of 4 to 1 in favor of Democrats, Ling-Cohan’s election victory in November would be yet another first for the APA community.
Rainmaker Odds: Ling-Cohan heavily favored, 10 to 1 (85 percent chance).
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Although she ran unsuccessfully in 2000, Republican Geny Del Rosario is back this year to run for State Assembly, District 34. The difference between then and now? An open seat. Del Rosario, a travel agency owner and education activist, has the strong backing of the local GOP in her quest to represent this northwest Las Vegas district. As the population growth of Las Vegas leads the nation, so does the influx of APAs. Del Rosario is counting on the backing of her community to defeat her Democratic opponent William Horne. Del Rosario’s win in November would make her the first APA woman to be elected to the State Assembly in Nevada.
Rainmaker Odds: Del Rosario slightly favored, 12 to 11 (52.2 percent chance).
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Former Houston City Councilmember Martha Wong is making a strong bid for the State House of Representatives, District 134. A well-known Republican and former school principal, Wong has been seen at various events campaigning with Republican governor Rick Perry, who is also running for re-election. Wong, who bested four other Republicans to earn the party’s nomination by a close margin, is facing 22-year incumbent Democrat Debra Danburg, which makes this race for Wong incredibly tough. But the newly created 134th District was shifted to give Danburg a run for her money. A win in November would make Wong the first APA woman to be elected to the State House in Texas.
Rainmaker Odds: Wong slightly favored, 12 to 11 (52.2 percent chance).
For candidate profiles and up-to-the-minute election results, visit www.politicalcircus.com.
Rodney Jay C. Salinas is a national political commentator and president of the Rainmaker Political Group LLC – publishers of PoliticalCircus.com, an online source for political news and information for the Asian Pacific American community. He can be contacted at mail@rainmakerpolitical.com.
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