Post-Election Reflections
November 17, 2006
Finally, Dems Get the Point: Congressional democrats and one major republican winner in California (our governor) demonstrated that they understand voters are fed up with partisan political agendas that often take priority over solving critical issues.
This time around, congressional democrats seized the opportunity to place importance on identifying “winnable” candidates versus the popular liberal candidates in targeted districts. As a result, this class of freshman democrats represents a more moderate group of legislators. Here’s hoping the democrats will make the most of their new charge and move this country into a direction that will restore the faith of the American voters.
S.F. Pelosi becomes third most powerful leader in Washington: I am so proud and elated that San Francisco’s Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi will become the first female Speaker of the House. She has come a long way from the days I worked with her when she broke barriers as the first woman to chair the California Democratic Party. Her hard work, intellect, political astuteness and ability to fend off the constant barrage of sexism are a “profile in courage” in itself. Pelosi’s history and close relationship with the Bay Area APA communities will be a bonus to APAs everywhere.While Pelosi knows how to play hardball politics, she also has a genuine, warm human side to her. Two years ago, Pelosi called me for support on an issue. I had my own reasons why I was unable to support her position. She never once pulled the political power play to change my position even though she called twice. Instead, we ended our conversation talking about her daughter Christine, whom I have known for years, and sharing grandmother stories. Our common bond is that Pelosi and I are the same age and we never fail to tell one another how great it is to be our age and be able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Capitol Watch Prediction Results: Five out of six predictions were on target. I did not make a prediction on the Secretary of State’s race because I felt it was too close to call. However, I did feel that Debra Bowen had an advantage being the only female on the statewide constitutional ticket.I really goofed on the Insurance Commissioner’s race. What was I thinking? Bustamante’s $1.5 million just could not compete with Poizner’s $14 million. I will never understand why legislators such as Sen. Joe Dunn or Sen. Jackie Speier, who were the most suitable candidates, chose to run for other statewide offices against tougher primary opponents. I believe if we had a stronger democratic candidate in this race, dems could have kept this seat.
Last Thoughts on the Governor’s Race: I am feeling pretty smug right now because in my May 2005 column, I chastised the governor for his treatment of the legislative branch of government as if the state was under a “one man rule.” But, I also predicted he “would be back” from the beating he took on the initiatives campaign.I think his willingness to admit his mistakes, change his approach with the democratic dominated legislature and put his trust in a brilliant democratic chief of staff, Susan Kennedy, who played a major role in his phenomenal landslide victory. Kennedy’s explanation for taking the top staff job made sense to me. Like so many of us, she just got tired of the political bickering. She saw this offer as an opportunity to help make California better by adopting a more bipartisan governing style. In light of this year’s elections, this new centrist path may be a lesson for all to consider.
APA Presence Felt in the Nationwide Polls: According to a multilingual exit poll conducted by Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Asian American voters’ turnout helped democratic candidates in some of the most contentious races in Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois and New York.On the other hand, in the gubernatorial race in California, APAs represented 6 percent of the total votes and 62 percent voted for republican Schwarzenegger!
Michigan Bans Affirmative Action: Affirmative action took another blow in a state where the Supreme Court ruled that race can be considered as one of many factors in college admission decisions. Former UC Regent Ward Connerly led another initiative to victory in Michigan that bans affirmative action in public colleges and in government hiring. Claims that Asian Americans were hurt by affirmative action were soundly rejected by three out of four Asian American voters in Michigan according to AALDEF.
Ending Note: I congratulate all the successful APA candidates for elected office. I also congratulate the APA candidates who lost their elections because their willingness alone to personally undertake the enormous pressures and risk to run for elected office is an accomplishment in itself. Let’s hope a defeat does not mark an end of political pursuit, but only the beginning.
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