Clinton campaign kicks off the Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders for Hillary in California

Hillary Clinton's Campaign seeking Asian/American volunteers

THE CONTEST for the Democrat Party''s nomination for President is not going to be the cakewalk for Hillary Clinton as everyone thought six months ago. Although the former Secretary of State is still considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, the viability of Sen. Bernie Sanders is growing every day. The candidates will have to fight for every vote.

A recent poll concluding Asian/Americans leaning  towards Sanders, Clinton is having to shore up her support among this key constituency which will be playing key roles in the battleground states of Nevada, Virginia and Florida. 

Clinton will be returning to California for a two-day swing next week to officially launch "Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary" and to attend a series of fundraisers in San Gabriel, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The event in San Gabriel, will be hosted by Monterey Park's Rep. Judy Chu, chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

“Asian Americans have gone from being marginalized to being the margin of victory,” said Chu.

The Thursday luncheon will be the first in a series designed to "engage, energize and organize AAPI voters," according to a statement by the campaign. A host of community and political AAPI leaders are expected to attend.

“Clinton will discuss what’s at stake in this election for the AAPI community, and how she’ll fight for them as president,” said Clinton's campaign press release.

Filipino/Americans from the San Francisco Bay Area will be making the trek by chartered bus to the San Gabriel event where they meet with Asian/Americans from throughout the West and be welcomed by Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Victor Manalo.

“I think we need to realize that in many instances, we all want the same things. We all want good educations, good jobs, and we want to be a part of the economic, social, political system in this country,” Manalo said.

(The round-trip “HillaryBus” fare to San Gabriel Valley from Daly City is $30. Interested HillaryBus riders can contact Rodel Rodis at 415-334-7800 or email him at Rodel50@aol.com.)

After the San Gabriel event. Clinton will move on to a “family celebration” reception Thursday afternoon at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles, hosted by television and movie producer Lisa Henson and artist and animator David Pressler; tickets range from $500 to $2,700. 

The next day, the Democratic candidate is scheduled to attend a $2,700-per-person “Conversation with Hillary” event in San Francisco hosted by Diana Nelson, chairwoman of the Carlson global hospitality and travel company, and then a $2,700-per-person evening reception in Palo Alto hosted by venture capitalist Greg Sands and his wife, Sarah.

Yesterday (Jan. 3), in a statement responding to Donald Trump attacks against her husband, Clinton campaign spokeswoman Christina Reynolds said "Hillary Clinton won't be bullied or distracted by attacks he throws at her and former President Clinton."

But, Reynolds added, "When his insults are directed at women, immigrants, Asian-Americans, Muslims, the disabled, or hard working Americans looking to raise their wages, Hillary Clinton will stand up to him, as she has from the beginning. Donald Trump's words are demeaning, his policies are just as destructive. Hillary Clinton will challenge Donald Trump and all the other Republicans who will rip away the progress we've made."

A roster of recent AAPI hires to the Clinton campaign, including Vice Chair Huma Abedin, Senior Policy Adviser Maya Harris, Finance Director Dennis Cheng, AAPI Outreach Director Lisa Changadveja, Surrogate Outreach Coordinator Michelle Kwan, Director of Women's Outreach Mini Timmaraju, Northeast Political Director Lyle Canceko, and Director of Delegate Operations David Huynh.

• Members of the public who wish to attend the AAPI for Hillary Organizing Event in San Gabriel can RSVP here. 
• AAPI for Hillary Organizing EventDATE: Thursday, January 7th, 2016DOORS OPEN: 10:15 AM PSTEVENT START TIME: 11:45 AM PST. WHERE: Hilton San Gabriel, 225 W. Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, California, 91776 
• This event is free and open to the public.For more information, please email AAPIOutreach@HillaryClinton.com.

For more news about Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News. 

###