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ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WILL GARY LOCKE BE THE FIRST AA PRESIDENT?
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:59:18 PM)
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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Discussions posted during the past year remain available for browsing.
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
American stands for freedom, individuality, equal opportunity, top talents in all spheres. Gary is a top notch American in all respects. His presidency will be a shining example for the whole world and will benefit not only America and Americans but every one on the globe. His talents are remarkable and I pray that all Americans benefit from them!!
Safi
safiahmed@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 09:56:12 (PST)
[63.140.97.2]
I think Locke's speech after the President's State of the Union address was a shot of reality. Bush spent so much time giving a sermon about the "Devil" Saddam.
It is nice to see someone in political office realized that the presidency is about taking care of the American people. Our economy, our healthcare, etc. Not a position to be squander chasing ever shadowy figure outside our borders.
AC Dropout
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 09:06:42 (PST)
[24.136.115.189]
I am very proud of Gary Locke.
Asian American
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 08:29:39 (PST)
[137.187.167.6]
He deserves the presidency. I felt strongly after listened his response to Bush's speech.
Baolin
Baolin_Z@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 08:06:48 (PST)
[150.148.218.190]
I would vote for him based on what I know right now. Would he win? I know many who are white that would vote for him regardless of his race because they like his stand on issues important to them. I am also living in an area(Georgia) where there are not many Asians and can imagine that a lot of people here would not vote for him. I worry that if someone like him ran, that people wouldn't vote for him just because they thought he wasn't going to win. I have heard people say things about that. They don't want to "waste" their vote on someone they feel won't win. My biggest hope is that some really good candidate, any candidate, comes along and beats Bush.
growflowers
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 06:10:37 (PST)
[64.18.104.239]
No thank you. The last thing we need is another liberal Democrat. Who cares if he's an Asian American. I have a Chinese heritage and there is no way in hell I would support him for any office.
Forget It
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 05:57:54 (PST)
[208.252.30.254]
Gary Locke has achieved much, probably more than most Asians in history and given his background and the nature of the environment in which he was brought up, he has without any doubt proven his worth. I am extremely impressed with him.
However, it grieves me to read Mr Lau Guan Kim's comments for it is utterly disappointing to know that a fellow Chinese should be so pessimistic and unncessarily critical of the manner in which Gary Locke's family name is spelt. From Mr Lau's email address, I am inclined to presume him to be an Overseas Chinese who yields from Singapore. For starters, he should have begun by asking himself this question, that is his surname his true family name when it has been spelt with English alphabets? His surname was derived from the Chinese character pronounced as "Liu" and there are numerous other people of this clan who have spelt their surnames as Liu and not Lau. I put to him, therefore, that what position is he in to rebuke the manner in which Gary Locke's family name has evolved? Secondly, he does not know Gary Locke's family personally to be even entitled to make any implications that his family name was even altered. Thirdly, if his grandfather was at all ashamed of his past, he would not have bothered to alter his family name, instead he could well have completely changed it and not leave the slightest hint to suggest that he was in fact an Asian.
America is purportedly a Free World and should such a society shun their members based on anything but meritocracy and the capacity to contribute to the society in question, then this is a shallow country despite its age and its glorious past founded by various nationalities and races. Nevertheless, it comforts me to see the existence of people of other races who embrace others as a society.
Albeit I myself am not an American, it gives me encouragement and joy to see another Chinese succeed in life in his or her own way!
The Politician
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:56:42 (PST)
[131.111.243.37]
I will definitely vote for him. I saw him on TV once. He has the quality of being the president of US. He needs to show his capabilty to raise money to run successfully for the White House.
Quin Lou
quinl@hotmail.com
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:48:12 (PST)
[32.103.59.103]
I am a white american, and I saw Gary Locke for the first time tonight after Bush's speech. I was very impressed with him. After reading the above article, I am even more so. I have been a lifelong democrat and am 3 years younger than Gov. Locke. I certainly would support him for president based on what I have seen. My comment to my wife while watching his speech, was I think we will see our first non-caucasian president in our lifetime.
gOf_Marcus
MLoucks301@aol.com
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:41:16 (PST)
[64.12.96.237]
As a Washington State resident, and a registered democrat, I would like to see Governor Locke run for a house or senate seat. There are a few republicans in Washington State who seem to be untouchable, but Governor Lock might be able to unseat them. From there who knows?
Governor Locke has proven he is a good leader, and has been able to bridge the racial barrier in Washington by being a smart politician and a fair man. There may be people here who voted against him because he is an Asian American, but I’m happy to say that the majority of voters were able to see him as the right man for the job.
I would like to think that rest of American could see that too.
Dan Achatz
dan@albatrossmedia.com
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:37:26 (PST)
[12.230.84.49]
I think Gary Locke would be an excellent President. He has his priorities in order, and has a good record.
I just watched his Democratic response to Bush's state of the union speech, and Locke made a lot of sense. No whining, no mud-slinging, just a clean and well-spoken statement of beliefs and purpose. I for one would gladly vote for him in a Presidential race.
Ex-Seattle resident
MiniRtist2@aol.com
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:34:56 (PST)
[65.33.220.7]
Gary Locke inspired me with his response to the state of the union this evening, I hope he runs for president.
Bob
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:30:00 (PST)
[67.40.57.230]
As an Asian American, I am both proud and delighted that Gov. Locke is in the forefront fighting for the American dream. This is a positive and constructive way to mainstream in this great country, and I, for one, am inspired and encouraged by Gov. Locke's involvement. Keep going, Gary, we are rooting for you.
John Lau, San Mateo, CA
jlau@laufinancial.com
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:29:40 (PST)
[12.236.25.9]
I think Gary Locke is a long shot for Prez, but he has my vote.
William Thomas
wjthomas@symet.net
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 20:11:12 (PST)
[207.138.181.194]
Anybody see Gary Locke on TV tonight after George W. Bush's State of the Union address?
akichan
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 19:46:22 (PST)
[24.141.175.227]
He sounds nice, but in an age of terror we need a presidential candidate that has served in the arm services.
lawjag
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 19:22:08 (PST)
[198.81.27.10]
The shadow gov controls who gets the presidency. Indy's like Nader, etc aren't in that loop, much less son of a Chinese immigrant. Even if by some hypothetical stunning twist of fate he were to get elected, he'd be told to play their rules or would soon get assasinated. They just DON'T fawk around up there.
Wi11iam C00per
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 13:20:31 (PST)
[148.104.5.7]
Could he possibly be any worse than George W. Bush? I think not. If I believed him to be a man of integrity and if he could really do something about our lagging economy, I would vote for him. However I think one major obstacle is that many people would have a hard time considering him a "true American", because he's not a white male conservative. They would probably question his loyalty- "Whose side is he on- the US's or China's"? I would rather see Locke win than Al Sharpton any day.
WF
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 07:29:22 (PST)
[207.183.118.60]
AC, this is the first time that I see you posting something that I agree with.
Yes, Al Sharpton is an undeniable buffoon.
What's wrong with today? Maybe the first seal of the apocalypse was broken.
ka
Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:02:07 (PST)
[168.103.182.191]
TO AC Dropout:
Yeah, I agree with you. I think Al Sharpton is a joke running for president.
Sushi Bar
Friday, January 24, 2003 at 02:14:06 (PST)
[66.171.52.70]
Okay Al Sharpton just threw in his hat for the a run at the presidency. My god, I'll support Locke now for the democratic nomination.
AC Dropout
Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 09:49:02 (PST)
[24.136.115.189]
I definitely would vote for Gary Locke if he ran for President. I support him 110%. However, I think his prospect for becoming one is zero. He would be shot before he even gets to the podium for his inaugauration. This country is just not ready, if ever, for an Asian President. If any ethnic person is crazy enough to run for President, I would say a Chinese guy definitely have the chutzpah to even attempt such a thing. I know I would even if it means the Grim Reaper is coming my way.
ChinaManRising@Yahoo.com
ChinaManRising@Yahoo.com
Monday, January 20, 2003 at 21:40:46 (PST)
[209.246.104.163]
I personally don't know Gov. Locke. However, I was suprised to find out (4 years ago) that he was an Asian-American person. His last name didn't give that away however.
I would give it a try to vote for him to be the next US president. I really really want an Asian-American to sit in on a high position. Currently, there is Daniele Inouye...a US senate from Hawaii. I think he's the only Asian-American senate member as of now.
HotKimchee
Monday, January 20, 2003 at 00:56:13 (PST)
[66.171.52.150]
Reading the comments here, sounds like Whites are more optimistic about the future potential presidential prospects for Gary Locke than Asian-Americans. Is it fear of disappointment or jealousy?
Eggs and Bananas
Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 16:09:38 (PST)
[219.5.44.38]
If this man runs for president he would win because 1)He'd carry the black vote because 2) he is democratic and 3) he is not white. Although these are not good reasons to vote for president, that's what would happen.
I'm a black female in the USA and I would vote for this man because he has been consistent in his affairs and dedicated to his country. After checking out his past policies and how he runs things, I don't see why not.
xphoar
Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 14:30:26 (PST)
[138.89.126.56]
Just looking at his name you would give him a fighting chance because you are led to believe he is a white.
Alas, looking at his photo, and if you are white, you would exclaim, "Blimey, that bloke is yellow!"
That, as we all know, is a no-win prospect where the majority whites are concerned.
Wisely, the first generation Locke masked that disadvantage by make-believe conversion from the Cantonese Loke, just as some white man's Chinese neighbour would disguise that yellow tint from Lin to Lynn.
Had the first generation stuck with the name Loke instead of Locke, his father would have been a cook in Patton's tank corps instead of out there with the whites fighting the Germans.
We can presume, to some great measure, Gary owes his climb to that clever camouflage of the first generation Loke.
From here, I would not push my luck too far in a white environment.
Lau Guan Kim
laugkim@starhub.net,sg
Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 11:12:48 (PST)
[203.116.61.131]
I would have no problem voting for him. It would depend on his political views not his skin color. I myself am white. I think a minority as President could be paramount to healing the woulds of Amerca's past. But, I would not vote for him on that reason alone. I hope he does run. I think it would be great.
Mike
michaelcln@msn.com
Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 20:05:33 (PST)
[65.103.158.190]
Let's have governor Locke make the beginning of a landmark for people of Asian Pacific American descent. He wouldn't be foolish to consider running for President. I will back him up 100%.
Math Instructor
mouac@msn.com
Friday, November 01, 2002 at 04:35:10 (PST)
[64.24.177.191]
its worth a go!!
portaGEE
Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 07:13:12 (PDT)
[199.35.109.232]
Gary Locke is a good moderate Democrat, but no Asian American can rise to the nomination of President at the moment becuase a) Asians themselves are not united in a political party and b) the current American Culture makes it tough for any minority to break into the tiers of national politics. And who says Gary Locke is unpopular? He won his re-election by a 20 pt landslide, defeating his Republican opponent with 60% of the vote, and Washingtonians seem to be satisfied with his no-nonsense way of dealing with state affairs.
ASAM Dem
Monday, October 07, 2002 at 21:02:42 (PDT)
[4.46.9.130]
AAM Republican,
the two of us have different reasons for not voting for gary locke. You don't like him cause you view him as a liberal democrat.
On the other hand I dislike him cause I view him as a potential liberal republication who could take his asian backing to the GOP as leverage against the democrats.
Political Observer
Monday, September 16, 2002 at 09:52:34 (PDT)
[167.230.38.7]
AAM Republican:
You should move to the Rocky Mountain States. Life is going to be pretty grim for the GOP in Washington state, except in the eastern part, and there they do not like Asians.
Washington State Resident
Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 17:34:57 (PDT)
[138.220.21.180]
I would vote for Gary Locke if he ran for president!
Jeff
Friday, September 13, 2002 at 19:24:57 (PDT)
[65.170.53.201]
Gary Locke could be a token VP candidate for the Democrats if he were from a state with more electoral votes. This is a basic political reality.
No matter what office he ran for, I wouldn't vote for him just because he is Asian. I will only vote for a politician who happens to be Asian if I support his or her political views.
BTW, I have been involved in the election campaigns of candidates who happen to be Asian in Washington state. Gary Locke is not one of them...
AAM Republican
Friday, September 13, 2002 at 15:47:21 (PDT)
[198.104.0.100]
Thanks, Political Observer. Now, I know who it is...Annapolis/Harvard Law. Actually Deng Ai and Ai Ya fit this mold as well, along with the sell-out whitewashed banana, Michelle Malkin.
Political
Friday, September 13, 2002 at 10:52:03 (PDT)
[138.220.205.46]
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