Asian-American political profile rising in SF and beyond

Chinese-Americans are getting more involved in politics and government service. This is good for our country. DP

By JULIANA BARBASSA Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO—When three newly elected Chinese-American supervisors climbed on stage in Chinatown, flanked by dragon dancers and lit up by camera flashes, they were hailed for making history in a city their forebears shaped since the Gold Rush Days.

The November sweep was topped this month when David Chiu was elected president of the Board of Supervisors—the second most powerful position in local government.

It is fitting that San Francisco, which is 34 percent Asian and home to the nation's oldest Chinatown, is leading the way on Asian-American political representation. But the country's fastest growing minority group is also reaching new heights on the state and national stage.

Experts say their newfound clout is not due to numbers alone.

The political engagement of Asian-Americans is growing. Many immigrants are earning citizenship. Community organizations are mounting voter registration drives. Ethnic media increasingly are endorsing candidates and covering political campaigns. And politicians are scoring victories, even in areas without a strong Asian electorate.

Countrywide, there are more than 2,000 Asian and Pacific Islander elected and appointed representatives, according to UCLA's Asian American Studies Center. In California, Asian-Americans hold two seats in the state Senate, 10 in the Assembly, plus the posts of State Controller and Board of Equalization chief.

A decade ago, there was only one high-ranking Asian-American official, the state treasurer.

"We're finally gaining full admission to the club," said David Lee, who teaches political science at San Francisco State University.

The Asian-American population has expanded from .5 percent in 1960—prior to repeal of restrictive immigration laws—to 5 percent now. The U.S. Census projected they will grow to 8 percent by 2050.

A push by voter education groups to turn new citizens into voters has helped make this ethnic group a political force in California, where their numbers are largest.
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