"With surging numbers, Asian-Americans look for congressional gains"

[Honeycombe8]

With surging numbers, Asian-Americans look for congressional gains


By Jeffrey Stein, CNN

updated 10:28 PM EDT, Sun July 15, 2012

Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies monitors elections
It says 30 Asian-Americans launched congressional bids in 2012 vs. 10 hopefuls in 2010
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-California: "It's a great step forward"
Asian-Americans are among the fastest-growing groups in the U.S.

(CNN) -- Three times as many Asian-Americans have been running for Congress in 2012 than did the past two elections, a nonpartisan political group says, and it's a development that portends greater changes in demographic trends and reflects the recent political awakening of a minority group long confined to the margins of American society.

"It's extremely exciting," says Gloria Chan, president and CEO of the Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies. "We could really stand to gain seats and affect the balance of power in Congress."

Including Pacific Islanders, 30 Asian-Americans launched campaigns for Congress this year, compared with 10 in 2010 and eight in 2008, according to an APICS count.

Though several of the Asian-American candidates lost their primaries, others stand to become the first people of Asian descent in their respective states -- New York, Tennessee and Florida, for instance -- to join the legislative body.
(snip)

In 2010, 36% of new immigrants to the U.S. were Asians while 31% were Hispanics, the study found. Just a decade ago, 19% of immigrants were Asians and 59% were Hispanics.

The growth of Asian-Americans' political clout tends to favor Democrats.

Of the 30 who filed to run in 2012, 25 are Democrats, according to APICS. About 60% of the diverse group -- which experts urge should not be considered a monolithic entity -- voted for Barack Obama in 2008.

Their vote could prove crucial in some battleground states, where a growing and increasingly energized Asian-American voting bloc is realizing that -- at 6% of the population -- they have significant political clout.

"We used to be marginalized politically, but now people are understanding we're the margin of victory," Honda said.
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That's pretty interesting. This could really make a difference. I thought most Asians voted Republican, until I read this article.

[longship]

1. Tammy Duckworth

Hawaian born of Thai heritage.

Tammy Duckworth for Congress. Running against Joe Walsh (incumbant R-teabag, he who will not be linked here).

That's one that Dems can win, with some work.

[Honeycombe8]

2. I saw her on tv and didn't recognize her as Asian. Awesome. I hope she wins against that...

against that POS. He's truly disgusting. Scary that people would vote for someone like that. A yella bellied liar jealous of the bravery shown by his FEMALE opponent.