Presidential Campaign Update
May 29, 2008
Barack Obama is just 49 delegates shy of clinching the Democratic nomination with last weekend’s addition of three superdelegates from Hawai‘i: the new state Democratic Party Chair Brian Schatz, Vice Chair Kari Luna and at-large superdelegate James Burns.
Schatz is a former state representative, Luna is a Maui teacher, and Burns is a former state appeals court judge and the son of Gov. John Burns, the second governor of the state of Hawai‘i and its first Democratic governor.
Sen. Obama commemorated Memorial Day in New Mexico, saying that the true strength of our military lies in the spirit of America’s servicemen and women. “No matter whether they faced down fascism or fought for freedom in Korea and Vietnam; liberated Kuwait or stopped ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, or serve brilliantly and bravely under our flag today; no matter whether they are black, white, Latino, Asian or Native American; whether they come from old military families, or are recent immigrants — their stories tell the same truth,” he said.
The House is expected to vote soon on S. 1315 — a bill passed by the Senate and supported by Sen. Obama, but opposed by Sen. McCain, that includes provisions to restore U.S. veteran status for Filipinos who fought for our country during World War II. Visit nafve.org to make your voice heard on this bill.
— Keith Kamisugi and Cate Park
Hillary spent Memorial Day in Puerto Rico with a salute to the sacrifices of men and women in the military. June 1 marks the Puerto Rico primary, followed by the June 3 primaries for Montana and South Dakota.
California is still strong Hillary territory. Loreto Dimaandal and Henry Manayan are still team anchors for AAPIs for Hillary in the Silicon Valley area, who are diligently organizing phone banks and letter campaigns to uncommitted superdelegates.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, an early Hillary backer, will be leading the California delegation of 441 delegates and 62 alternates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. California Democratic Party Chair Art Torres reports that California almost met the diversity goal of 9 percent Asian and Pacific Islander delegates at 8.6 percent.
Junelle Cavero reports that, for the first time, an AAPI steering committee was formed in Oregon. Cavero met with AAPI community leaders who are strong Hillary supporters, like Jaime Lin, publisher of Asian Reporter. Cavero, who was officially with the campaign from Ohio, will likely hit the field next in either Montana or South Dakota.
The California Democratic Party holds its executive board meeting in Burlingame, Calif., on June 13 through 15. The DNC representatives — aka superdelegates — are up for a vote at this meeting, with many incumbents seeking to retain their seats.
— Julie D. Soo
Sen. John McCain and his APA supporters have been extremely active throughout APA Heritage Month. A large crowd attended a rally
in Stockton, Calif., where Assemblymen Van Tran and Alan Nakanishi (both strong McCain supporters) spoke before Sen. McCain addressed the crowd. Photos of APA supporters and their signs can be found at mccainblogette.com. Afterward, the crowd joined McCain supporters at a reception and recruiting/fund-raising event at a nearby Asian restaurant.
This week, efforts will continue in other cities with major Asian events and parades. One of the many events is the Philippine Independence Day Parade in Manhattan, in which Filipino Americans will be marching in support of John McCain.
— Jennifer Kim
To check out last week’s Presidential Campaign Update, please visit: http://www.asianweek.com/2008/05/22/presidential-campaign-update-10/
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AP (May 29, 2008) — Obama, who is now just 44 delegates shy of the 2,026 needed to claim the nomination and drive rival Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the race, could win the White House nod as early as Sunday if he fares well in Puerto Rico’s primary
Keith Kamisugi,
Hillary just won Puerto Rico 70-30. That was my estimate based on my talks with Latinos, and turned out to be correct.
McCain will win in the biggest landslide since Reagan beat Mondale 49 states to 1 back in 1984. Whites, Asians, and Latinos, will all go for McCain. Obama will only get the blacks.
Article summarizing Asians’ preference for McCain:
http://www.opinionasia.org/AsianAmericanspreferHillaryandMcCain
The author does nice job covering the hot-button issues for Asians.