Asian American Democrats Event Tonight

Press release from the Capital Area Asian American Democrats:

Capital Area Asian American Democrats Hosts Fundraiser to Highlight Importance of Asian American Voters

On Wednesday, February 13, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the AFL-CIO Building at 1106 Lavaca, the Capital Area Asian American Democrats (CAAAD) will host its inaugural fundraiser and Democratic awards. CAAAD will be honoring the contributions of Judge Jeanne Meurer, 98th District Court, with its Lifetime Achievement Award, State Representative Mark Strama, District 50, with its Legislator of the Year Award, and Nicholas P. Chu of the University Democrats with its Activist of the Year Award.

Money raised will help support CAAAD's 2008 in 2008 Project to increase Asian American voter registration and turnout in Travis County for the 2008 municipal and general elections and its efforts on behalf of its endorsed candidates.

Tickets for the event are $10 ($5 with valid student identification). Sponsorships are also available at the $500, $250, $100, and $50 levels.

According to the United States Census, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) comprised approximately 3.5% of the Texas population in 2006. With an estimated 822,000 AAPIs, Texas has the fourth largest AAPI population in the United States. As recent elections from Virginia Senator Jim Webb's narrow victory in 2006 following incumbent Senator George Allen's "macaca" remark to a young Indian American volunteer to the Super Tuesday elections on February 05 have demonstrated, the AAPI vote is growing in influence and importance.

In Travis County, the AAPI population has exploded in recent years. In April 2007, a group of Asian American Democrats in Central Texas founded the Capital Area Asian American Democrats to reach out to this emerging constituency.

WHAT: CAAAD Inaugural Fundraiser and Democratic Awards

WHEN: Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

WHERE: AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca St, Austin, TX