Former Speaker Newt Gingrich to Chair Republican Hindu PAC

India West reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will serve as honorary chairman of the newly launched Republican Hindu Coalition.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will serve as the chairman of the newly-formed Republican Hindu Coalition, which officially launched Nov. 17 in Washington, DC.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky; along with Reps. Ed Royce, chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Pete Sessions, chairman of the House Rules Committee, attended the launch, which began with the traditional Hindu ceremony of lighting of lamps. Also in attendance were Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire; and Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin.
“An organization like the RHC could dramatically change history,” Gingrich told the audience at the launch. The former House Speaker also spoke about the “dangers of Pakistan” and “radical jihadists” which he said were a common enemy for India and the U.S.

Read the full article HERE. 

The 2016 Asian American Vote Is Up for Grabs & the Republicans Aim to Win It

Asian Fortune reports that through the Republican Leadership Initiative, Republicans aim to win the Asian American vote in 2016.

In next year’s presidential elections, the Republican Party is determined to capture a big chunk of the Asian Pacific American electorate, by using a winning 2013 data-driven and neighborhood-based field program. Last August, the Republican National Committee (RNC) launched the Republican Leadership Initiative. The six-week program for Asian Pacific American volunteers focused on field organizing skills, and also voter registration and voter engagement in all 50 states. The Initiative is part of the GOP strategy in achieving its 2016 goal: Win back the White House.

 

RNC is methodically expanding its Republican Leadership Initiative. Last month, Politico reported that RNC kicked off the Republican Leadership Initiative GOPVets program. The mission: Voter registration of national military and veterans and their families, and turn-out of 700,000 new voters from those communities on Election Day on November 8, 2016.

 

Remarked RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, in noting the Republican rout of Democrats in the 2014 congressional and local elections: “We are the only entity, Democrat or Republican, currently organizing efforts on this scale in states across the country as we build the largest infrastructure in our party’s history to take back the White House…Our party heads into the 2016 election with positive momentum and with the right vision to put our country back on track.”

 

APA Voter Power

 

The Republican Leadership Initiative builds on the party’s highly-successful campaign model two years ago. “Ever since 2013,” RNC Asian Pacific American Press Secretary Ninio Fetalvo said in an email, “we’ve been building relationships with the communities through our candidates. When they actively engage and build strong relationships with the community, Asian Americans come out to vote.” The all-out grassroots efforts in 2013 led to a Republican Party wave in the 2014 midterm elections.

 

Fetalvo pointed out that last August, the RNC also unveiled “a new ad aimed at recruiting Asian Americans for our Republican Leadership Initiative program.” The YouTube advertisement targeted the Millennials, people born between 1982 and 2000. The Millennials are also called Generation Y, following Generation X. A 2014 Asian American and Pacific Islander Vote survey showed that nearly three in ten (27%) of the Millennials are “undecided,” and their vote is up for grabs.

 

Read the full story here.

North Korea's 'Black Market Generation'

Yeonmi Park represents North Korea's "black market generation" who are escaping the totalitarian mindset fostered within the Kim family's long-running tyranny. Only 21 years old, Yeonmi is a rising star. She is inspiring audiences worldwide with her story of escape from North Korea and her embrace of the ideas of liberty – thanks to her work with Atlas Network partner Freedom Factory in Seoul.

In the video below, from the 2014 Oslo Freedom Forum, Yeonmi talks about how Leonardo Decaprio changed her opinion about Kim Jong-il.

         

Chinese-American Republican Woman Running For Congress

Denise Gitsham is running for U.S. Congress in the 52nd District of California

https://www.facebook.com/deniseforcongress

http://www.deniseforcongress.com/

Born and raised in California, Denise Gitsham is the only daughter of immigrants, a small business owner, and a leading voice for San Diego’s innovation Economy.

Denise’s mother, a Chinese immigrant who fled communism, and her father, a Canadian immigrant who served 20 years in the United States Air Force, instilled in her a deep appreciation of the blessings associated with being American.

Denise’s earliest memory is of her father telling her she could be whatever she wanted to be, because she was born in a land of freedom and opportunity. Those words, coupled with her favorite Bible verse, Luke 12:48 – “to whom much is given, much will be required” – compel Denise to make the most of every opportunity presented to her, and every chance to give back to the country she loves.

A graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, Denise has worked in the U.S. Department of Justice, United States Senate, and White House. She practiced law at the prominent international law firm K&L Gates before joining a San Diego-based renewable energy company in 2009. Today, Denise owns her own small business, and works to promote San Diego’s Innovation Economy, which is driving our local economy and creating high paying jobs for San Diegans.

Denise is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and an accomplished classical pianist, as well as a runner and triathlete. She served as a founding board member of one of California’s sixteen Innovation Hubs; is a co-founder of San Diego’s downtown tech group, the Innovators’ Collaborative; is a provisional member of the San Diego Century Club; and serves on the Board of Scripps Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Korean-American Republican Mark Park elected in New Jersey

Among the multiple Republican victories during this week’s elections, Mark Park, an American of Korean descent was elected to the Englewood Cliffs, NJ City Council. 

Mark Park is an award winning risk management advisor with nearly thirty years of experience in the field of insurance and risk management. He’s conversant in making tough decisions and achieving more results with less capital expenditure.

Mark is the owner and co-founder of  Econoworld Agency, Inc., an insurance firm that provides property & casualty, and health insurance to many small to medium size businesses in New Jersey.

Mark is also a member of the Fort Lee Regional Chamber of Commerce, and an advocate for the Korean American Insurance & Finance Association. He also serves as the President and Chairman of the New Jersey Korean American Chamber of Commerce. And under his leadership, the organization has grown from 15 to 122 active members, providing educational opportunities for aspiring business owners and our youth.

A proud American by choice, Mark originally came to the United States from South Korea to obtain his MBA degree , but quickly fell in love with the American way of life.

Mark and his wife Katie are the proud parents of Cynthia and Justin.

Q Rim for NJ General Assembly

A really impressive Asian-American GOP candidate in New Jersey, who is on his way to being elected to the State Assembly.

Won Kyu Rim is of Korean descent; his roots in the community, articulate advocacy for mainstream conservative principles, and impressive campaign organization put him in a strong position to win and, thus, become the state’s second Korean Republican in office.

I hope you will check him out and consider helping spread the news of his campaign.

https://www.facebook.com/qrimnj
http://qrimnj.com/

Jay Lin for Johns Creek City Council - Georgia

Jay Lin is a father, husband, homeowner, and conservative business man who is running for Johns Creek City Council 2015.

 

 

Jay Lin has been a long-time resident of Atlanta, Georgia for nearly 30 years and has 20 years of entrepreneurship and business experience in the Atlanta area. Lin is currently the president and CEO of Pacific Ventures Inc., a Georgia-based construction firm, which has been involved in residential and commercial building and development since 1996.

As a child growing up in Taiwan, where free speech was not a constitutional right, Jay deeply values the importance of liberty and freedom. He wanted to give his family every possible opportunity to live the American dream. Jay moved to the United States 26 years ago, and has called Georgia home ever since.

Jay and Mimi have two grown children, Kevin and Katie, both of whom have graduated from Northview High School. Jay and his wife, Mimi, currently reside in Johns Creek community.

The Lins are active members of the Influencers Church of Atlanta.

http://jayforjohnscreek.com/

 

RNC Statement On Filipino-American History Month

WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following statement marking the beginning of Filipino-American History Month: 

“Americans of Filipino descent have made numerous contributions to the growth of our diverse nation,” said Chairman Priebus. “This month, we recognize the Filipino-Americans who have had a lasting impact on our nation’s successes, and who will continue to strengthen our country in the future. Our party continues to actively build meaningful relationships with Filipino communities in key battleground states, such as Nevada and Virginia, and across the country.

“We are thankful for the impact Filipino-American leaders continue to have in the Republican Party,” said Co-Chairman Day. “We look forward to continuing to work with our Filipino-American neighbors and friends in promoting our great nation’s founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Virginia Republicans attend multiple Asian American community events

Over the weekend, Virginia Republicans attended various community engagement events including a meeting with the Chinese American Republicans of Virginia, the Korean Center for Political Participation’s Candidates Night, the Multi-Cultural Chambers of Commerce Candidate Forum and the Arab American Political Forum. Republicans up and down the ballot continue to build strong, meaningful relationships with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Virginia and across the country. The Republican message of opportunity for all resonates with AAPI communities and will prove effective at the ballot box this Fall and in 2016.

Nam Pham - Why I am an Asian-American Republican

Proudly Asian and Republican: The author Nam Pham, center, with Gov.-elect Charlie Baker, right and Leverett Wing.

More than one friend of mine has asked me why an Asian American working for a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged people is a Republican. How can it be possible? The question implies that helping people and being a Republican are mutually exclusive, that they cannot go together in one sentence. 

I often just reply that, in Massachusetts, we need to have more checks and balances because where I came from, Vietnam, one- party dominance brought havoc to the people. I also say that I believe in hard work, hope, and helping others when they are in need. 

Then it dawned on me how perception has become even worse than reality. Perception has become a belief, albeit a very distorted belief. Most of my friends are Democrats. All of my friends seem to love and revere President Abraham Lincoln and at the same time many would call Republicans “evil.” They seem to forget that Lincoln was a Republican.

Read more: http://www.dotnews.com/columns/2014/why-i-am-asian-american-republican

Chinese American Republicans of Virginia Event: Meet Amata Radewagen (representing American Samoa)

Meet Amata Radewagen the First Chinese American Woman Republican in Congress (representing American Samoa)

The Chinese American Republicans of Virginia cordially invite you to a reception in honor of the first Republican woman member of Congress with Chinese Heritage.

Please join us in a reception to meet Congresswoman Amata Radewagen, American Samoa and her friend Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor. Amata assumed office after winning the 2014 election with 42 percent of the vote against her Democratic incumbent in a nine way race. She is the Republican Party’s highest ranking Asian Pacific elected federal officer in the United States.

When: Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $100 per couple (Business Casual or Native Attire)

Where: Home of Col. and Mrs. Albert V. Short, Jr., USA (ret.)
9103 Wood Spice Lane
Lorton, VA 22079-3240

(R.S.V.P.: alicebutlershort@gmail.com no later than September 26, 2015)

https://www.facebook.com/aumua.amata
https://www.facebook.com/Chinese-American-Republicans-of…/…/

carva2012@gmail.com

Re-Elect David Oh | Vote on Nov 3, 2015

Councilman David Oh was elected citywide in 2011 and began his four year term in January 2012. He serves on the Leadership Team as Minority Whip and is also Chairman of Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy. He is running again in 2015. 

He is the first Asian American elected to political office in Philadelphia and is the only veteran serving on Council.

"The average age of debt collection in the city is 9-10 years. That's ridiculous. This ‪#‎legislation‬ will streamline the debt collection procession, which not only calls for ‪#‎efficiency‬ and ‪#‎effectiveness‬, but also a more‪#‎dynamic‬ ‪#‎Philadelphia‬." - Councilman David Oh, 2014

Philadelphia's failure to collect delinquent taxes in a timely manner has created on additional and unfair tax burden on those who do pay their taxes. In March 2014, Councilman Oh introduced a bill that targets those who can afford to pay their taxes, but choose not to.

http://www.davidoh.com/

Meet Steve Le: Candidate for Houston City Council District F (Texas)

Over forty years ago, Dr. Steve Le and his family came to Houston from South Vietnam with nothing more than their clothes and a dream to rebuild what was lost. A desire to serve his community inspired Steve to become a physician. Steve is a father, a husband, and a successful entrepreneur, with extensive experience in the health care industry. He now wants to represent District F’s diverse neighborhoods and build this area into a stronger, safer community.


Born in South Vietnam to a police officer father and an accountant mother, Steve believed early on in the promise of the American dream. The day before the fall of Saigon, Steve and his family boarded a ship full of refugees seeking freedom and democracy. They arrived in the U.S. in 1975 and settled in Houston. Although his parents had to work multiple jobs to put food on the table, Steve was undeterred by the challenges they faced. He learned education, hard work, and determination would be the keys to success.

With the desire to contribute and be a productive member of the community, Steve aspired to be a medical doctor. After he graduated at the top of his class at Klein Forest High School, Steve went on to Baylor University, where he met his future wife, Jackie. Following graduation, Steve attended Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency in family medicine at one of the most prestigious programs in the country, the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, an affiliate of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.  

As a family doctor and small business owner, Steve treated thousands of patients from his four family care clinics, some of whom he provided care without charge.  As busy as Steve is, he still finds the time to do charitable works. Steve and Jackie donate time and money to countless charities and non-profit organizations. He is an active board member of Tinh Luat Buddhist Temple and Wings of Innocence, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping impoverished orphans. Steve and Jackie are the proud parents of three children, Catherine, Julie and James.

Houston has given Steve and his family, as well as others, the opportunity to succeed. A strong, safe and healthy community, among other things, promotes and attracts residential and business growths. Houston is one of the best cities to raise a family and do business, and Steve wants to build on it and make it better for all. 

Vote for Steve Le as a Council Member for District F. Steve will be your voice and your advocate.

Learn more: http://www.steveleforhouston.com/

Meet Tony Pham: Candidate for Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney (Virginia)

http://tonyhpham.com/

Dear friends,

I believe it is time to elect a candidate who has the perspective and experience to restore faith in our system of justice in Henrico County. We need someone who is accountable to the courts, the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States, our law enforcement partners and most importantly, the citizens we serve. I do not come from a privileged background and have worked tirelessly over my career to answer the call of leadership.

My mother, 2 sisters and I, came to the United States in April of 1975 as Vietnam fell to communist control. While thousands perished in the open seas fleeing a horrible government, we were so blessed and fortunate to be part of the few who could evacuate by plane. After having lived in a refugee camp for several months, we were again grateful to be sponsored by caring church goers and relocated to our first home in Henrico County, Virginia. We waited for what seemed like an eternity, but again were blessed with becoming citizens of this great nation in 1985. We were granted a gift that so many others yearn for.

Growing up in an immigrant family in a new land and learning a new culture was no easy task. My parents worked 2 minimum wage jobs a piece to provide for a family of 5. Neither understood English and relied heavily upon myself and my sisters to take our lessons from ESL class home to them. Times were still lean in our household. My parents emphasized that education was the vehicle out of poverty.

Meet Chuong Nguyen: Candidate for 87th House of Delegates (Virginia)

As a child in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Chuong escaped communist Vietnam with his family in a small fishing boat, avoiding pirates and stormy seas. They journeyed to a refugee camp in Malaysia before immigrating to America.

Ultimately relocating to Virginia and becoming an American citizen, Chuong’s father, a doctor, delivered newspapers before his full day at the hospital.  His mother, a former attorney, now worked full time as an administrative assistant. They also cleaned offices and homes in the evenings and on the weekends.

Chuong attended and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard University and was appointed a counselor to guide his peers and led efforts for a service organization committed to enriching the youth of Boston. Upon graduating from Harvard, Chuong taught Greek and Latin to high school students. He also coached lacrosse, led kayaking and rock climbing adventures and other outdoor programs.

Chuong then attended law school at the University of Richmond and was chosen by Justice Carrico to serve as law clerk in the chambers of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Clerking for Justice Carrico affirmed his legal education and provided the insight to demand equity, uphold propriety and assert justice. In Loudoun County, Chuong served as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney where he worked to keep our families safe by prosecuting drug dealers and other violent criminals.


Chuong now works in the private practice of law and enjoys living in Loudoun County. His wife, Trang Vo-Nguyen, a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon serves patients in their home community of South Riding.

Learn more here: http://www.chuongfordelegate.com/meet-chuong.html

Connecticut State Sen. Tony Hwang’s 9/11 message.

The Weston Forum reports on Connecticut State Sen. Tony Hwang’s 9/11 message.

Today, I join with you and all our fellow Americans in remembrance of 9/11 and in honoring the friends and family members we lost on that fateful morning.We honor their lives with our own, by holding on to hope, and by channeling the sense of unity, purpose and patriotism we all felt in the wake of that unthinkable tragedy and using it to usher the courage to tackle our nation’s most pressing issues today. We honor their lives by demonstrating the best of humanity – to each other and our neighbors around the globe. 

We honor their lives in our own special way, too – in whatever way feels right to each of us. 

No doubt, we are bound by our grief from the unprecedented loss of life, and our collective memories of the tragedy and our experiences with how it has forever changed our world and our way of life.

Read more: http://www.thewestonforum.com/53634/911-message-from-weston-state-senator-tony-hwang/

State Sen. Janet Nguyen Selected to Join Aspen Institute's Bipartisan Fellowship Program

Long Beach Post reports that State Sen. Janet Nguyen was selected to join the Aspen Institute’s Bipartisan Fellowship Program.

Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Garden Grove—whose district includes portions of Long Beach—announced she has been selected to participate in a 24-month public leadership program hosted by The Aspen Institute.

The invitation-only Rodel Fellowship Program is meant to nurture bipartisanship, political civility, and the ideals of democracy, according to a press release from Nguyen’s office sent out Friday.

The institute chooses 24 emerging elected officials between the ages of 25 and 50 to participate, including 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats, the release stated.

Read more: http://lbpost.com/news/politics/2000007019-state-sen-janet-nguyen-selected-to-join-aspen-institute-s-bipartisan-fellowship-program

The Arizona Republic: What do you do to celebrate Labor Day?

The Arizona Republic reports that State Sen. Kimberly Yee celebrates Labor Day by recalling the work ethic of her great-great-grandfather who immigrated from China to live the American Dream.

Congratulations Nikki Haley and Lanhee Chen

Congratulations to South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former Romney-Ryan Policy Director Lanhee Chen on making Politico Magazine’s POLITICO 50, a list of thinkers, doers and visionaries changing American politics.

 ​

Republican Sang Yi Challenging David Bulova in 37th District House

Republican @SangYi Challenging David Bulova in 37th District House http://t.co/ReJLx7jbtA #tcot #AAPISummit #aapi pic.twitter.com/pRqv0gJXFF
— Asian Republican (@asianrepublican) April 7, 2015

Senator Janet Nguyen w/ the National Asian American Coalition

Met w/ the National Asian American Coalition and the National Diversity Coalition. Glad to have their support on SCA4 pic.twitter.com/Ugs2lISNYe
— Senator Janet Nguyen (@SenJanetNguyen) April 21, 2015

Dr. Scott Cheng is running for U.S. House of Representatives

Dr. Scott Cheng is running for U.S. House of Representatives. http://t.co/Cyq6voeOx4 @xfcheng81 #Maryland #aapi #GOP pic.twitter.com/15RK2At2Iv
— Asian Republican (@asianrepublican) April 24, 2015