Judy Chu Wins Special Election

In previous posts you've heard me talk a lot about Dr. Judy Chu and her bid for the East Los Angeles Congressional seat - and last week she did in fact win - well sort of - because she didn't win by 50% there'll be a run-off election this July:

"I'm really excited, and I feel so honored by the votes of the people in the district," Judy Chu said at her victory party at Nick's Taste of Texas restaurant in Covina as the ballot tallying neared an end.

Judy Chu, a Chinese American, campaigned on her experience and deep roots in the district and worked to build coalitions across ethnic lines. She will face a Republican and a Libertarian in a runoff.

Read more here.

More On Judy Chu

Got this sent down from the AAA-Fund Blog and thought I'd post up a snippet in case any of you were following:

Judy Chu’s Race Begins

Before hearing our President speak, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to confirm Rep. Hilda Solis as the nation’s Labor Secretary. While it had been percolating for a couple months, the race to succeed her has officially begun.

Now the Governor has two weeks to call the election. As we predicted earlier, he’ll probably set it for May 19, the same day Californians will be voting on the state budget. How will that date affect Dr. Chu’s chances? This morning, Roll Call (subscription only) took a look:

[Gil] Cedillo’s advisers believe the election date — and the heightened turnout — benefits their candidate immensely. If Solis’ nomination as Labor secretary hadn’t run into snags, the special election almost certainly would have been held earlier, magnifying Chu’s early advantage in fundraising and local endorsements. And the greater turnout from the statewide election almost inevitably means more Latino voters going to the polls.

“Fate has been good to us,” said Leo Briones, Cedillo’s media consultant.

But Chu’s team believes the timing of the special election date is a wash. Parke Skelton, a consultant for Chu, said a relatively large number of union members will turn out for the statewide ballot questions. The powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has endorsed Chu in the special election.

Read it in full here.

Judy Chu And The 32nd District

I happened to catch this article down at Politico.com about the prospects of Judy Chu in Congress and I couldn't help but wonder - is it good or is it bad in regard to racial representation with 2/3 of the population being Hispanic/Latino - or because it has a 20 percent Asian American population does that matter as much? As long as it's a person of color is that all that really matters?

A splintered field of Latino candidates could lead to the election of an Asian-American in Southern California’s majority-­Hispanic 32nd District, leaving Hispanics with one less voice in Congress at a time when their share of the population is growing.

In the special House election to succeed Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-Calif.), who was recently tapped to become the Obama administration’s labor secretary, former Monterey Park Mayor Judy Chu stands to gain from a potentially crowded field of prominent Latino officeholders that could divide the Hispanic vote and enable her to capture the solidly Democratic, East Los Angeles-based seat.

All the candidates will run on a single ballot in the special primary election. If any one of them wins a majority of votes, that candidate takes the seat outright. Otherwise, the top two vote-getters will square off eight weeks later in a special general election — essentially a runoff.

While the racially diverse district is about two-thirds Hispanic, it also has an unusually large Asian population — roughly 20 percent. As the only prominent Asian candidate in the race — and one who has drawn support from Hispanic voters in the past — Chu could benefit from a concentrated Asian vote to make it into a special general election if the Latino vote is divided among several candidates.

Check out the full article here.

Judy Chu’s Bridge to Victory

Got this link sent to me from Gautam Dutta with more news on Judy Chu who I mentioned down in a previous post:

Major news from Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. Yesterday Judy Chu’s main opponent, State Sen. Gloria Romero, announced she would not run for Congress. Instead, she announced she would run for State School Superintendent in 2010, and endorsed fellow State Sen. Gil Cedillo for outgoing Rep. Hilda Solis’ congressional seat.

[...]

What’s more, top Latino leaders strongly support Dr. Chu, because she has been a bridgebuilder throughout her 23-year political career.

Check out the AAA-Fund Blog for the full article.

Judy Chu And The Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Just got into office and already Judy Chu is looking to help change the landscape on the employment and discrimination front:

Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA32, participated in a House committee hearing today on legislation she is co-sponsoring to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) would prohibit employment discrimination, preferential treatment, and retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity by employers with 15 or more employees. Currently, it is legal to discriminate in the workplace based on sexual orientation in 29 states and in 38 states based on gender identity.

Read it in full here.

Judy Chu And Congress

Caught this news down at The Sacramento Bee:

California Board of Equalization member Judy Chu said today she's running for the East Los Angeles congressional seat now held by Hilda Solis, who has been picked by President-elect Barack Obama to be his labor secretary.

When she was in the Legislature, Chu represented the 49th Assembly District, which is in the congressional district, as is the city of Monterey Park, where she began her political career on the city council.

"I've served the district for 24 years and know it well," Chu told The Bee.

If elected, the Democrat would be the first Asian American from Southern California sent to Congress in more than a decade.

Cool.

Check out in full here.

Judy Chu: You're Going To Congress

Just a quick congratulations to Judy Chu who won her special election and is now headed to Congress:

The former state Assembly member easily captured a special election Tuesday to fill a vacant seat in the 32nd Congressional District. It's a heavily Democratic area that covers part of Los Angeles and its eastern suburbs. Her win will give Democrats 256 votes in the House. There are 178 Republicans. Chu will be Southern California's only Asian American in Congress.

Nice.

1st National APA Workers Hearing

This is a little late - but you still have time to make it down if you're in the area - and it sounds like it should be a great event:

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance is hosting the first-ever, historic National APA Workers' Rights Hearing on Friday, Nov 13th from 11:30-1:30pm in Washington DC about challenges that APA workers face and strategies to achieve economic justice. It's a fantastic opportunity for the community to get our concerns about employment, unemployment, workplace freedom, and employer abuses of immigrants out in the public record -- because contrary to popular perception, APA workers face a number of abuses on the job. Asian American workers will present testimonies about wage theft, organizing campaigns and the right to form unions, and immigrant worker exploitation before a distinguished panel and an audience of over 200 people, representing a broad cross section of elected officials, labor leaders, community allies and academicians. Notable panelist include Congresswoman Judy Chu, newly elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis (invited.) The whole APA community is supporting the event, and 20 national organizations are cosponsoring it.

APALA is proud to convene the First National Asian Pacific American Workers' Rights Hearing and the first event focused on Asian Pacific American workers co-hosted by the new leadership of the AFL-CIO on Friday, November 13, 2009 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in Washington D.C.

Hear from Asian Pacific American workers about the challenges they face in exercising their right to organize - including employer abuse, immigrant exploitation, wage theft and union suppression - and strategies developed to continue the fight for worker solidarity and economic justice.

Invited Panelists Include:

Secretary Hilda Solis, U.S. Department of Labor
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32)
Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

John Delloro, President, APALA
Sarita Gupta, Executive Director, Jobs with Justice
Kent Wong, Director, UCLA Labor Center

Larry Shinagawa, Director, University of Maryland - Asian American Studies Department Greg Cendana, President, United States Student Association

Check our more information here.

#250posts24hrsAAPI - 180: Judy Chu + Pic + CPAC

Presenting the the 2017 Members of @CAPAC! pic.twitter.com/kPu6nxhYU9

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) May 17, 2017

That's all.

Representative Judy Chu On #Tornillo

The child prison camp at #Tornillo is a national tragedy. It must be shut down today. I'm proud that @SenJeffMerkley & I have introduced legislation to do just that. Children should be with loved ones, not treated as inmates https://t.co/dWiDkYjgL3

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) December 20, 2018

May 2nd: 2010 AAPI House Party

I've been getting a decent amount of e-mails on the AAPI House Parties for May 2nd and thought that instead of posting up on individual ones might as well just post up some info and a link out to the contact information for all the states.

On Sunday, May 2nd, please join Asian Pacific Americans for Progress as we host our annual State of Asian Pacific America House Party. We are pleased to announce that Kalpen Modi, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Congressmembers Mike Honda (CA-15) and Judy Chu (CA-32) and other noted guests, will be joining us, via conference call, for the nationwide event. On the call, we'll be getting updates from the White House, Congress and grassroots activists on the progress we made this past year.

WHAT: State of Asian Pacific America House Party 2010
WHO: Hosted by Asian Pacific Americans for Progress
DATE: Sunday, May 2, 2010
TIME: 4-6 pm EST, 1-3 pm PST, 10 am - 12 pm Hawaii

· Kalpen Modi, Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement
· Mike Honda, Congressmember (CA-15), Chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
· Judy Chu, Congressmember (CA-32)
· Kiran Ahuja, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
· Ami Bera, Candidate for U.S. Congress (CA-03)
· Marissa Graciosa, Director, Fair Immigration Reform Movement

Kappa Phi Lambda
United States Student Association - National Asian Pacific American Student Caucus
Network of Indian American Professionals
National Council for Chinese Americans

Here's a link out to the contact information at the apaforprogress site.

From Representative Judy Chu With Love And Birth Control

It was great joining @RepMcClellan and advocates from @nwlc & @powertodecide to discuss a recent letter I co-led with @DemWomenCaucus.

Our goal: insisting that insurance plans finally fully cover birth control options, as required by the Affordable Care Act. pic.twitter.com/lGP2ZZOBxe

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) February 26, 2024

Representative Judy Chu On Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a public health emergency and we must be diligent in our efforts to protect all American from this virus.

Learn more about monkeypox and how you can help to prevent further spread in your community: https://t.co/BXDNjPxykf pic.twitter.com/zMJZPaxi1E

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) August 19, 2022

When You're Losing In The Polls Just Infer That Your Asian American Opponent Isn't American (Create The Spy Link)

It seems that Judy Chu's opponent Gil Cedillo - who's behind in the polls - thinks that a heavy dose of Yellow Peril - Japanese Internment Style - is going to help him win the election.

Even though Chu gave back a donation once donor Katrina Leung was charged with being a Chinese spy in 2003 (where the charges were ultimately dismissed), Cedillo seems to think that he can create a connection between the two simply because they're Asian.

Because as you and I both know - we're all MF spies.

And we all know each other.

And we share each other's toothbrush.

And other...ummm...things.

That's just the way it is.

AAA-Fund Interview: Judy Chu

CNBC + Trump "Risks" Alienating Asian Americans

As always good to see articles about how Trump alienates Asian Americans - and how people are seeing us as a rising voting force in U.S. politics.

At the same time I just have to ask the question of the title of the CNBC article relating to the word "risks" - risks?

I think it's done.

Asian-American Democratic officials see advantages to those trends in 2016, especially with Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee. His jabs at immigrants and pledge to discard the Affordable Care Act clash with the priorities of Asian-American voters as they become a larger part of the electorate, lawmakers said at the Democratic National Convention.

"We see a trend with Republicans where they've become more and more extreme and where there's increasingly xenophobic kind of rhetoric, and certainly that's exemplified in Trump," Rep. Judy Chu of California, chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, told CNBC.

CAPAC Statements On Presidential Signing Of Executive Order Restoring The White House Initiative On Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders

Got this sent into my inbox and just wanted to post it up in full.

Washington, DC – Today, President Obama is signing an executive order reestablishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Initiative, which was created by President Clinton to improve the quality of life in underserved AAPI communities through increased participation in federal programs.

CAPAC Members issued the following statements regarding President Obama’s commitment to the AAPI community by restoring the Initiative:

“On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, we are thankful for President Obama’s leadership in reestablishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Rep. Michael Honda (CA-15), chair of CAPAC. “He has restored its broad mission to ensure that all federal agencies are addressing the needs of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The co-chairs of the Initiative, Secretaries Gary Locke and Arne Duncan, as well as Under Secretary Martha Kanter who will oversee the work of the Initiative, all have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our communities. CAPAC members are looking forward to working in close collaboration with the Initiative as we have in past administrations.”

Executive Board Member Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI) said, “President Obama has reopened the White House to those underserved in our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I look forward to working with Secretaries Locke and Duncan as they lead a diverse commission of talented individuals dedicated to empowering AAPIs.”

Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI), an executive board member of CAPAC said, “I commend President Obama for restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up nearly half of Hawaii’s population and this commitment reinforces our nation’s many efforts to extend federal services to segments of these societies that may be underserved. Ensuring that members of these communities have sufficient, unfettered access to federal programs will undoubtedly create countless opportunities for future leaders.”

“I applaud President Obama for signing today’s executive order that restores the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01), chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Taskforce. “Today’s signing is a reminder that much more needs to be done to assist underserved communities throughout the country. We are fortunate to have a President who understands our communities and is committed to ensuring the needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are not forgotten.”

CAPAC Secretary Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU) said, “I commend President Obama for restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The signing of the executive order today signifies the Administration’s renewed commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. As the representative of one of the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander districts and a U.S. Territory, I look forward to working with Secretary Locke, Secretary Duncan, and my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus as the Initiative begins to address many important issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community nationwide.”

“Today in America, 38.7 percent of Asian Americans and 37.8 percent of Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islanders lack employer-based health coverage. Asian American children are also more likely to be uninsured, with a rate of 11.5 percent, compared to 7.3 for Non-Hispanic White children,” said Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31), CAPAC executive board member. “The restoration of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comes at a time when urgent needs, like health care, need to be addressed. President Obama is following a commitment he made to the AAPI community, and I stand ready to work with him to address their needs.”

Executive Board Member Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32) said, "The news of the President's signing of the Executive Order to revive the White House Initiative on AAPIs comes at a timely juncture, where important legislation, such as health care reform, is being formed and shaped. This initiative will be critical in addressing the needs of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I appreciate the President's commitment to AAPI communities, and I look forward to working with my CAPAC colleagues and the Administration on the efforts of this initiative."

CAPAC Vice Chair Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (AS) said, “I applaud President Obama for restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Today’s signing comes at a critical juncture when the country as a whole begins to address many issues of great significance to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the nation.”

Rep. Al Green (TX-09), chair of CAPAC’s Housing Taskforce said, “As we prepare to deal with the most pressing issues of our time, from healthcare to financial regulatory reform, the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders will ensure that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have a meaningful role to play in substantive policy issues affecting our community. This White House Initiative recognizes the diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States, and the extent to which they contribute to a meaningful national dialogue on the formation of effective public policy. I congratulate President Obama on the creation of this executive office and am certain that the time for meaningful change for our communities has now come.”

“I appreciate President Obama’s commitment to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by reestablishing a vigorous White House Initiative that will work closely with our community. Education is a priority issue for me in the Congress and I am especially glad that the White House Initiative will be jointly led by the Department of Education for the first time in its history. It is a great pleasure to work with a President who is attuned to the fact that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have unique needs and issues that deserve a greater level of attention. I look forward to working with Co-Chairs Duncan and Locke in ensuring the success of this renewed effort,” said Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02), an executive board member of CAPAC.

“President Obama’s support for the AAPI community is clear, and I applaud his efforts in restoring the broad mission of White House Initiative on AAPIs,” said Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05), executive board member of CAPAC. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of President Clinton’s creation of this historic initiative, I look forward to working with Secretaries Locke and Duncan to improve the lives of AAPI communities across the country. We are committed to dedicating ourselves to helping the underserved and undernourished regardless of race, creed, or color.”

Executive Board Member Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI) said, “President Obama made a commitment to restore the AAPI initiative. Today he has kept his promise to Asian American and Pacific Islanders and we are all very grateful. Especially, because this is a time of great change — in health care and immigration — change that will impact our communities. Now with a voice in the White House, representing our interests, we can be assured that these successful reforms will also fulfill their promise of benefit of all Americans, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”

”I commend President Obama for restoring this important White House Initiative,” said Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), chair of CAPAC’s Civil Rights Taskforce. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make significant contributions to every aspect of American society. The President’s action today makes a strong commitment to the AAPI community. The initiative ensures that the gifts, talents & values of this community will be included at the highest levels of federal policymaking.”

Rep. David Wu (OR-01), chair of CAPAC’s Education Taskforce said, "By reestablishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, President Obama has once again delivered on his strong commitment to our communities. I commend the Obama administration for demonstrating tremendous leadership on behalf of all AAPIs, and I look forward to working with the president, Secretary Locke, and Secretary Duncan to enhance AAPI access to and participation in federal programs where they may be underserved.”

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Since 1994, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.

In Pics: Random Judy Chu

Wu Denounces Anti-Chinese Rhetoric Campaigns (And Probably Should Have Done That With His Penis Too)

I'm not saying anything about anything but it is kind of funny and interesting that on one hand we have Rep. David Wu who was quoted in the Northwest Asian Weekly as saying:

“I am deeply disturbed by the xenophobic implications of recent political ads that use China as a scapegoat to discuss the U.S. economy,” said Rep. David Wu, from Oregon. “Given our country’s dark history of anti-Chinese discrimination — from the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act to the racially-motivated murder of Vincent Chin exactly 100 years later — these fear-mongering ads have potentially dangerous consequences, especially for Asian Pacific Americans.

Because this is true.

We all know it.

And we need people like Wu to help bring attention to the growing anti-Chinese sentiment that can be easily mistaken for anti-Chinese American and anti-APIA sentiment.

But then two days later we also get the following:

Rep. David Wu, facing an accusation of an unwanted sexual encounter with an 18-year-old woman and a request for an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, will not seek re-election next year and was pondering whether he would complete his term, a spokesman for the Oregon Democrat said Monday.

In a letter sent Monday, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi requested the Ethics Committee investigation. The Oregonian, Wu's hometown newspaper, had reported that a California woman left a voicemail at Wu's office accusing him on an unwanted sexual encounter. Wu, 56, has said the encounter was consensual.

*sigh*

I'm just glad Congresswoman Judy Chu (the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chairwoman) knows how to keep her legs crossed when around young tight bodied eighteen year-olds.

Healthy Works Fair + Film + Action

For those of you who may not have headed out of town for the Labor Day Weekend and were considering just laying around and being a couch potato - you may want to check out the Healthy Works Fair + Film + Action Event happening this Labor Day.

In addition to free health screenings, rooftop DJs, free stuff, games+activities (and air conditioning) you'll also get to hear speakers like: Laphonza Butler, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Dr. Paul Song, Jose Gonzales, Dr. Toni Lews, Jack Dannibale, Assemblymember Mike Eng, Dr. Rishi Manchanda, Councilwoman Jaque Robinson, and Dr. Rishi Manchanda.

And one of the Sicko screenings will be with Chinese subtitles.

Congress heads back to DC on Tuesday to continue engaging in a debate on Healthcare Reform that has been erupting fires among citizens all across the country. We have an opportunity to a) get truly informed and b) get really active in communicating with our leaders before they go, all at this event: Available will be real, hard information on what healthcare reform really means right now. There will be action centers and and phone banks to contact our elected representatives. There will be PSA shoots. After each movie screening, there will be panel discussions with a variety of influential and engaged folks.

When And Where

Sept. 07.09.
10AM - 6PM
Downtown Independent Theater
251 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
Map/Directions

Film Screenings at 10AM, 12:30PM, and 3:00PM
Reserve your tickets to the movie now by emailing healthcare@seiu-ultcw.org.