SAN FRANCISCO — Asian American Democrats joined about 200 of their local colleagues at San Francisco’s historic Federal Reserve Building last week to support the candidacy of Simon Rosenberg, president of the New Democratic Network, for chairman of the Democratic Party.
“Diversity is a big part of my strategy to not only win the chairmanship but also for Democrats to begin to take back this country,” said Rosenberg when asked specifically about Asian American participation in not only his campaign but the Democratic Party. “Asian Americans are a much-valued resource for our nation; I’m counting on them to play an integral role in a victorious strategy for me and our party.”
“Simon is a good match for our community and our Democratic Party,” said Alicia Wang, vice chair of the California State Democratic Party. “He is a hard worker; he’s moderate and business-minded. More importantly … he is familiar with Asian American issues and the need to get more Asian American candidates to run for office.”
Added Jonathan Leong, former member of the White House Commission on Asian Americans: “He has a strong sense of what is right and wrong and realizes the importance of a strong Asian American presence in the party. He will fight to [correct] inequities and the discriminatory status quo and provide more opportunities for all Americans.”
Rosenberg is currently locked in a fierce battle with former presidential candidate Howard Dean, retired Rep. Tim Roemer and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo for election to the post on Feb. 12. He is credited with reinvigorating the NDN into a major political force and shaper of then President Clinton’s domestic plan of economic prosperity.