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ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WILL GARY LOCKE BE THE FIRST AA PRESIDENT?
ary Locke can tick off almost every qualification for a successful presidential bid: third-generation Washingtonian whose father fought in Patton's tank corps; Eagle Scout; Yale grad; former prosecutor with a tough crimefighting record; popular two-term governor in a state with arguably the nation's most successful educational system and fiscal policies; a highly telegenic wife with impeccable credentials of her own.
Significantly, Gary Locke's 26-year political career unequivocally establishes him to be a republican in democrat's clothing. Political balancing acts of that order have become de rigueur for White House aspirants from both parties, as shown by recent elections. And he's only 51.
But one misstep may haunt Locke in any quest for higher office -- he was born to Asian parents.
Locke's ties to Washington state go back to a paternal grandfather who had immigrated to Olympia at the turn of the century and worked as a houseboy before returning to China to start a family. His father James returned to Washington and fought under General Patton. Gary was born January 21, 1950 in a Seattle veterans public housing project called Yesler Terrace.
Gary worked at his father's grocery store but earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated with honors from Franklin High in 1968. He worked his way through Yale, earning a poli sci degree in 1972. Three years later he got a J.D. from Boston University Law School and became a deputy prosecutor in King County.
His crimefighting record got him elected to the state house in 1982 where his star rose rapidly through hard work on the Judiciary and Appropriations committees. He chaired the latter from 1988 until 1993 when he was elected chief executive of King County. That office gave Gary Locke the opportunity to prove his knack for improving social services while enforcing fiscal discipline.
Locke's popularity is undoubtedly boosted by his pretty wife, the former Mona Lee. Before their marriage in October of 1994 she was a news reporter at Seattle's KING-TV. She gave birth to a daughter in 1997, then a son in 1999. As first lady Mona has won raves by championing the causes of early learning and quality childcare.
Gary Locke has never publicly shown interest in running for national office.
Supporters see no other progression for the lifetime civil servant. They dismiss racial concerns by citing the fact that only about 6% of Washington voters are Asian, not very different from the 4% figure nationally. Some even feel that Locke's prospects for winning the presidency are better than that of any other minority politician. They cite his cleancut image combined with a sterling track record at the helm -- not to mention the likely support of the world's biggest software company.
Others believe that on the national political stage an Asian politician would have so much of an uphill battle simply trying to establish that he is an American to have a shot at getting his message across.
Could Gary Locke win a presidential election or would he be foolish even to consider a run?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:59:27 PM)
You guys are lucky to be living in Washington State. Here in the South, race is always the issue. Read the following:
"How tightly states can pack minorities into voting districts is shaping up as the biggest legal question in this decade's redistricting efforts, and Monday's decision striking down Virginia's plan offers an early window into how judges will consider the issue.
Relying on Virginia's Constitution, a Salem judge found that the General Assembly illegally diluted minority voting rights by creating districts that split counties and skipped over bodies of water." Washington Post
Virginia GOP is one of the most racist along with the Texas GOP. Guilty as charged according to a white Virginia judge.
Asian American Male
Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 08:24:35 (PST)
Sam Shetty:
So cool....
I live in Indiana too...
Angelique
Monday, March 11, 2002 at 17:57:55 (PST)
"I find it hypocritical that you attack GOP on this, when it was the DEMOCRATS and their labour union allies who most strongly oppose NAFTA and trade policies such as fast track."
Well a Republican is about to impose tariffs and all our automobiles would cost more. Need I say more! GW is no different from the Democrats. He does not have any spinal cord! See below:
Reuters) - President Bush will announce on Tuesday a decision to impose tariffs of up to 30 percent on most imported steel, sources said, in a decision that could spark a trade war with major European and Asian trading partners. The decision also could have ramifications in U.S. mid-term elections in November and possibly for Bush's re-election chances in 2004, when major steel-making states Pennsylvania and Ohio could play crucial roles.
Automan
Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 10:16:21 (PST)
Just a reminder to all of you who live in Texas State Senate District 144 to vote for Dr. Martha Wong (former Houston City Councilwoman and Head of the Texas State Economic Development Commission) for State Senator.
Dr. Wong was a teacher for over 20 years, has a PhD in Education and has strong ties to the Chinese and Asian American community. She is a fiscal conservative who espouses Family Values, but has progressive attitudes with regards to issues such as abortion and education.
Don't forget, Vote for Dr. Martha Wong, Texas State Senator, District #144
Houston AA Voter
Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 05:51:25 (PST)
I have a friend who was chinese american in a small indiana town of 1% minority; he was student body president; it is all in the psychology
acknowledge but don't dwell
be secure in your individuality
don't look for acceptance
be happy with the friends you have
Neturalize the negatives; accentuate the positives; others who try to shackley you with their subconscious insecurities; acknowlege but not dwell; we limit ourselves
My friend achieved; it is all in the psychology
Sam Shetty
Monday, March 04, 2002 at 10:32:19 (PST)
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