Save the date! August 18, 2008
6:00-8:00 PM
Our Partners
AADT members & supporters,
In spite of the fact that the 2010 elections have been a tough experience for Texas democrats, there have been some notable successes for some Asian Americans. Two are noted below:
1. Hubert Vo, State Representative for Texas House District 149, was re-elected to a fourth term. His victory is considered remarkable as other incumbent democrats in similar demographic areas of West Houston lost their re-election bid.
2. Tina Yoo, has been elected as Judge for Dallas County Criminal Court 8.
AADT Activities in 2010 Election Season: This has been by far the most active election season for AADT. We organized, completed, and participated in the following:
1. Texas-wide Robo-calls: Robo-calls were made to almost 30,000 Asian Americans across Texas recommending voting a straight Democratic ticket.
2. Radio Ads: Ads were placed in Vietnamese language in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Additionally ads in Chinese language were placed in a Houston radio station. A radio ad was also placed throughout the early voting period and on Election Day in English in a South Asian Radio station covering the greater Houston area (Harris & Ft Bend counties).
3. Phone-banking: Massive phone banking to Asian American voters in Austin, Dallas, and Houston areas.
4. Block-walking: Block walking on behalf of Democrats was conducted by AADT volunteers in North Houston, SE Houston (Clearlake and Pasadena), and in SW Harris & Fort Bend counties through embedment in HCDP coordinated campaign satellite offices.
5. Letter writing campaign for Rep. Hubert Vo: Hand-addressed letters to South Asians in District 149 exhorting straight Democratic party voting and recommending Hubert Vo for State Rep.
November 4, 2010
AADT November 2010 Voter Outreach
AADT endorses ALL Democratic Candidates in the November 2010 US General Elections, from Bill White for Governor on down to the local races, and are encouraging all our members to VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC PARTY on the ballot.
AADT' voter outreach program consists of contacting Asian American Democrats in the major metropolitan areas of Texas and exhorting them to get involved and engaged in the political process by exercising their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice. Additionally, ethnic media outreach programs have been initiated in Austin, Dallas, and Houston via AADT chapters to ensure that Asian American voters have the necessary polling information to go and vote.
To find your polling location on Election Day Nov 2, click on www.votexas.com and select the "Where" button on the left.
VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC PARTY, it is at the top of the ballot. Then go and vote for propositions, school bonds, school board trustees at the bottom of the ballot, where applicable.
Good luck with Voting on Nov 2, 2010!
For additional information, please contact any of the AADT Executive Committee members.
October 29, 2010
Political Party Platforms & Campaigns--Side-by-side Comparisons
Asian American Democrats of Texas President A.J. Durrani and Texas Asian Republican Caucus Houston Chapter President Joe Chow discuss their respective party platforms.
July 6, 2010
AADT's 2010 DEM STATE CONVENTION CAUCUS
The following Executive Committee of AADT for the term 2010 - 12 was announced June 25 at the AADT bi-annual Caucus at the 2010 Democratic State Convention in Corpus Christi, TX.
AADT Officers 2010-12
President: A. J. Durrani
Vice President: Eugenia Bey
Secretary: Francine Ly
Treasurer: Farrukh Shamsi
Immediate Past President: Mini Timmaraju
June 28, 2010
AADT ATTENDS SPEAKERS CABINET ISSUES CONFERENCE
AADT was invited to attend Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Cabinet 2010 Issues Conference on June 15 in Washington DC. The daylong conference included prominent speakers like ex-Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. The dinner speaker was Vice President Joe Biden. Given below is AADT President AJ Durrani with Speaker Pelosi.
ASIAN AMERICANS REQUEST CLARIFICATION FROM GOV. RICK PERRY
The Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) are requesting Governor Rick Perry to clarify his inclusion of a prominent Asian American in an 'attack ad' on his gubernatorial opponent former Mayor of Houston, Bill White.
As covered last Wednesday May 5 in an interview with Houston TV Channel 2, AADT is surprised and confused with the Rick Perry campaign utilizing Yao Ming, the highly popular star center of the Houston Rockets basketball team in an attack ad against Bill White when Rick Perry just two weeks prior was posing for photographs with Yao Ming at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for Shanghai Expo 2010.
We are concerned that Governor Perry's attack ad that features Yao Ming and pictures of Middle Eastern businessman, panders to one of the worst aspects of campaign politics - ethnic fear mongering. Governor Perry says we are 'overreacting', but AADT is disappointed that Governor Perry may be using the Asian community as a political pawn for his re-election.
Apparently when Governor Perry was recently standing with Yao Ming and leaders of the Chinese community in Houston in front of the Chinese, Texas & American flags talking about the mutually beneficial economic relationship between China & Texas, we (Asian Americans) were just props in a press conference.
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=384849#384849
AADT is calling for Governor Perry to apologize to the Asian community for his political pandering and hypocrisy. Alternatively, the Asian American community would like to meet with Governor Perry so that he can explain why he used Yao Ming as a negative political prop.
Founded in 1990 and recognized by the Texas Democratic Party as the sole representative organization for Asian Americans in Texas, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) serves as a link between the Asian American community and the larger political society. AADT undertakes a variety of activities, from political education to organizational gatherings and mobilization to meetings with elected officials to endorsement of like-minded candidates. With members throughout Texas, AADT currently has chapters in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President (cell phone 713-702-2377; Email:ajdurrani@aol.com)
May 12, 2010
Governor Perry Attack Ad with Bill White & Yao Ming
Houston Channel 2 TV story on Gov. Perry's attack ad on Bill White which unexplainably uses Asian American Yao Ming, starting center for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
May 9, 2010
ASIAN AMERICAN DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED CANDIDATE
U.S. Representative, District 18
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee
Governor
Bill White
Lieutenant Governor
Ronnie Earle
Texas State Representative District 27
Dora Olivo
Harris County - County Judge
Gordon Quan
Harris County - County Clerk
Sue Schechter
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313
Anthony Referente
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair
Steve Brown
Endorsement Process:
The endorsement decisions
were developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee and
Advisory Board at a duly called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races
were endorsed where one candidate received a two-thirds super-majority support
of the Endorsement Committee and it was a contested race. Some members of the
AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons prohibit them
from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President
713-702-2377
February 18, 2010
Turning Texas Blue with Asian American Democrats
Chinatown Restaurant was packed last night as Austin's Asian American Democrats came out to the DNC AAPI Caucus Reception hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas. Among the many speakers was Bel Leong-Hong, the DNC AAPI Caucus Chair and Chair-Elect of Asian American Action Fund, who pointed out that Texas has never had an Asian American representative to the DNC and encouraged those present to run. Then there were the slews of politicians passing through to make their quick pitch for office. Gubernatorial candidates, Hank Gilbert and Tom Schieffer along with a surprise visit from Marc Katz, from Katz's Deli, who announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. Senatorial candidates John Sharp, who emphasized the opportune moment for turning Texas blue, and Bill White, who tailored his message to his experience with the Asian American community while Mayor of Houston. Overall, the night was a huge success as local judicial candidates Todd Wong, Brandy Mueller, Daniel Bradford, Olga Seelig, Eric Sheppard, Elizabeth Earle, Amy Clark Meachum, and John Lipscombe stopped in.
August 25, 2009
Asian-American Democrats of Texas (AADT)
August 28, 2009
ASIAN AMERICAN
DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2009 CITY OF HOUSTON CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the City of Houston November 2009 elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED
CANDIDATE
At-Large, Pos.
1
Herman Litt
At-Large, Pos. 2
Sue Lovell
At-Large, Pos.
3
Melissa Noriega
At-Large, Pos.
4
C. O. Bradford
At-Large, Pos.
5
Jolanda Jones
District A
Lane Lewis
District
F
Mike Laster
District H
Ed Gonzalez
District I
James
Rodriguez
Endorsement Process: The endorsement decisions were
developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee at a duly
called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races were endorsed where one
candidate received a super-majority support of the Executive Committee voting
members. Present at the Endorsement Decision meeting were members of the AADT
Advisory Board who participated in the discussions but could not vote. Some
members of the AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons
prohibit them from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ
Durrani, President 713-702-2377
August 25, 2009AADT would like to thank all of its members and supporters who attended the Asian-American
Democrats of Texas Candidates' Forum for making the event such a success.
Dozens of voters had the unique opportunity to meet with potential
Houston candidates and further inform themselves on the issues. All
of the candidates that spoke and participated in the forum are listed
below.
Annise Parker
Gene Locke
Peter Brown
Ronald Green
M.J. Khan
Karen Derr
Herman Litt
Rick Rodriguez
Stephen Costello
Sue Lovell
Rozzy Shorter
Melissa Noriega
C.O. Bradford
Noel Freeman
Jolanda Jones
Carlos Obando
Davetta Daniels
N/A
Lane Lewis
Bob Schoellkopf
Mike Laster
Lewis Cook
George Foulard
Dexter Handy
Oliver Pennington
Edward Gonzalez
August 22, 2009
Dear AADT members and supporters,
In the past election cycle, Asian-American
Democrats across Texas made their voices heard. We are a key constituency, and
it is important that we stay involved in the political process. In the eight
months since the 2008 elections, AADT has become organized in major metropolitan
areas in Texas, and it is now time to show what a force Asian-Americans have
become in Texas Democratic politics! We have many exciting events planned in the
next few months, and we are counting on the support and attendance of our AADT
members.
In Houston, the upcoming 2009 Municipal
elections in November are turning out to be exciting and competitive in every
race. To provide an opportunity for you to individually meet each candidate and
make your own personal evaluation,AADT has organized a Candidates’ Forum for
those running for Mayor, Controller, and City Council. This forum
will help decide who to endorse in the races.
The
Forum will be held on Tuesday
August 18th, from 6:00-8:00pm at Mayuri
Restaurant. The address is 5857 Westheimer Ave., Houston
77057.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Houston+&state=TX&address=5857+Westheimer&zipcode=77057
Tickets to the event will be at $15 per person.
The proceeds will be used to cover the costs of the event, Mayuri’s fine
refreshments, as well as future AADT projects.
Please RSVP to Mili Gosar at 832-640-7570 or at miligosar@gmail.com.
As Democrats gain ground statewide in Texas, we
intend to involve the Asian-American community every step of the way. Any money
raised allows us to spread our message, involve Asian-Americans at every level
of government, and help get out the Asian-American vote. We may even be able to
hire a full-time staffer dedicated to being a voice for
Asian-Americans.
If we work together, Asian-Americans will
continue to be a pivotal constituency group.
Warm regards,
AJ
AJ Durrani
President, AADT
November 4, 2010
AADT November 2010 Voter Outreach
AADT endorses ALL Democratic Candidates in the November 2010 US General Elections, from Bill White for Governor on down to the local races, and are encouraging all our members to VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC PARTY on the ballot.
AADT' voter outreach program consists of contacting Asian American Democrats in the major metropolitan areas of Texas and exhorting them to get involved and engaged in the political process by exercising their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice. Additionally, ethnic media outreach programs have been initiated in Austin, Dallas, and Houston via AADT chapters to ensure that Asian American voters have the necessary polling information to go and vote.
To find your polling location on Election Day Nov 2, click on www.votexas.com and select the "Where" button on the left.
VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC PARTY, it is at the top of the ballot. Then go and vote for propositions, school bonds, school board trustees at the bottom of the ballot, where applicable.
Good luck with Voting on Nov 2, 2010!
For additional information, please contact any of the AADT Executive Committee members.
October 29, 2010
Political Party Platforms & Campaigns--Side-by-side Comparisons
Asian American Democrats of Texas President A.J. Durrani and Texas Asian Republican Caucus Houston Chapter President Joe Chow discuss their respective party platforms.
July 6, 2010
AADT's 2010 DEM STATE CONVENTION CAUCUS
The following Executive Committee of AADT for the term 2010 - 12 was announced June 25 at the AADT bi-annual Caucus at the 2010 Democratic State Convention in Corpus Christi, TX.
AADT Officers 2010-12
President: A. J. Durrani
Vice President: Eugenia Bey
Secretary: Francine Ly
Treasurer: Farrukh Shamsi
Immediate Past President: Mini Timmaraju
June 28, 2010
AADT ATTENDS SPEAKERS CABINET ISSUES CONFERENCE
AADT was invited to attend Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Cabinet 2010 Issues Conference on June 15 in Washington DC. The daylong conference included prominent speakers like ex-Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. The dinner speaker was Vice President Joe Biden. Given below is AADT President AJ Durrani with Speaker Pelosi.
ASIAN AMERICANS REQUEST CLARIFICATION FROM GOV. RICK PERRY
The Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) are requesting Governor Rick Perry to clarify his inclusion of a prominent Asian American in an 'attack ad' on his gubernatorial opponent former Mayor of Houston, Bill White.
As covered last Wednesday May 5 in an interview with Houston TV Channel 2, AADT is surprised and confused with the Rick Perry campaign utilizing Yao Ming, the highly popular star center of the Houston Rockets basketball team in an attack ad against Bill White when Rick Perry just two weeks prior was posing for photographs with Yao Ming at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for Shanghai Expo 2010.
We are concerned that Governor Perry's attack ad that features Yao Ming and pictures of Middle Eastern businessman, panders to one of the worst aspects of campaign politics - ethnic fear mongering. Governor Perry says we are 'overreacting', but AADT is disappointed that Governor Perry may be using the Asian community as a political pawn for his re-election.
Apparently when Governor Perry was recently standing with Yao Ming and leaders of the Chinese community in Houston in front of the Chinese, Texas & American flags talking about the mutually beneficial economic relationship between China & Texas, we (Asian Americans) were just props in a press conference.
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=384849#384849
AADT is calling for Governor Perry to apologize to the Asian community for his political pandering and hypocrisy. Alternatively, the Asian American community would like to meet with Governor Perry so that he can explain why he used Yao Ming as a negative political prop.
Founded in 1990 and recognized by the Texas Democratic Party as the sole representative organization for Asian Americans in Texas, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) serves as a link between the Asian American community and the larger political society. AADT undertakes a variety of activities, from political education to organizational gatherings and mobilization to meetings with elected officials to endorsement of like-minded candidates. With members throughout Texas, AADT currently has chapters in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President (cell phone 713-702-2377; Email:ajdurrani@aol.com)
May 12, 2010
Governor Perry Attack Ad with Bill White & Yao Ming
Houston Channel 2 TV story on Gov. Perry's attack ad on Bill White which unexplainably uses Asian American Yao Ming, starting center for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
May 9, 2010
ASIAN AMERICAN DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED CANDIDATE
U.S. Representative, District 18
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee
Governor
Bill White
Lieutenant Governor
Ronnie Earle
Texas State Representative District 27
Dora Olivo
Harris County - County Judge
Gordon Quan
Harris County - County Clerk
Sue Schechter
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313
Anthony Referente
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair
Steve Brown
Endorsement Process:
The endorsement decisions
were developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee and
Advisory Board at a duly called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races
were endorsed where one candidate received a two-thirds super-majority support
of the Endorsement Committee and it was a contested race. Some members of the
AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons prohibit them
from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President
713-702-2377
February 18, 2010
Turning Texas Blue with Asian American Democrats
Chinatown Restaurant was packed last night as Austin's Asian American Democrats came out to the DNC AAPI Caucus Reception hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas. Among the many speakers was Bel Leong-Hong, the DNC AAPI Caucus Chair and Chair-Elect of Asian American Action Fund, who pointed out that Texas has never had an Asian American representative to the DNC and encouraged those present to run. Then there were the slews of politicians passing through to make their quick pitch for office. Gubernatorial candidates, Hank Gilbert and Tom Schieffer along with a surprise visit from Marc Katz, from Katz's Deli, who announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. Senatorial candidates John Sharp, who emphasized the opportune moment for turning Texas blue, and Bill White, who tailored his message to his experience with the Asian American community while Mayor of Houston. Overall, the night was a huge success as local judicial candidates Todd Wong, Brandy Mueller, Daniel Bradford, Olga Seelig, Eric Sheppard, Elizabeth Earle, Amy Clark Meachum, and John Lipscombe stopped in.
August 25, 2009
Asian-American Democrats of Texas (AADT)
August 28, 2009
ASIAN AMERICAN
DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2009 CITY OF HOUSTON CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the City of Houston November 2009 elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED
CANDIDATE
At-Large, Pos.
1
Herman Litt
At-Large, Pos. 2
Sue Lovell
At-Large, Pos.
3
Melissa Noriega
At-Large, Pos.
4
C. O. Bradford
At-Large, Pos.
5
Jolanda Jones
District A
Lane Lewis
District
F
Mike Laster
District H
Ed Gonzalez
District I
James
Rodriguez
Endorsement Process: The endorsement decisions were
developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee at a duly
called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races were endorsed where one
candidate received a super-majority support of the Executive Committee voting
members. Present at the Endorsement Decision meeting were members of the AADT
Advisory Board who participated in the discussions but could not vote. Some
members of the AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons
prohibit them from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ
Durrani, President 713-702-2377
August 25, 2009AADT would like to thank all of its members and supporters who attended the Asian-American
Democrats of Texas Candidates' Forum for making the event such a success.
Dozens of voters had the unique opportunity to meet with potential
Houston candidates and further inform themselves on the issues. All
of the candidates that spoke and participated in the forum are listed
below.
Annise Parker
Gene Locke
Peter Brown
Ronald Green
M.J. Khan
Karen Derr
Herman Litt
Rick Rodriguez
Stephen Costello
Sue Lovell
Rozzy Shorter
Melissa Noriega
C.O. Bradford
Noel Freeman
Jolanda Jones
Carlos Obando
Davetta Daniels
N/A
Lane Lewis
Bob Schoellkopf
Mike Laster
Lewis Cook
George Foulard
Dexter Handy
Oliver Pennington
Edward Gonzalez
August 22, 2009
Dear AADT members and supporters,
In the past election cycle, Asian-American
Democrats across Texas made their voices heard. We are a key constituency, and
it is important that we stay involved in the political process. In the eight
months since the 2008 elections, AADT has become organized in major metropolitan
areas in Texas, and it is now time to show what a force Asian-Americans have
become in Texas Democratic politics! We have many exciting events planned in the
next few months, and we are counting on the support and attendance of our AADT
members.
In Houston, the upcoming 2009 Municipal
elections in November are turning out to be exciting and competitive in every
race. To provide an opportunity for you to individually meet each candidate and
make your own personal evaluation,AADT has organized a Candidates’ Forum for
those running for Mayor, Controller, and City Council. This forum
will help decide who to endorse in the races.
The
Forum will be held on Tuesday
August 18th, from 6:00-8:00pm at Mayuri
Restaurant. The address is 5857 Westheimer Ave., Houston
77057.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Houston+&state=TX&address=5857+Westheimer&zipcode=77057
Tickets to the event will be at $15 per person.
The proceeds will be used to cover the costs of the event, Mayuri’s fine
refreshments, as well as future AADT projects.
Please RSVP to Mili Gosar at 832-640-7570 or at miligosar@gmail.com.
As Democrats gain ground statewide in Texas, we
intend to involve the Asian-American community every step of the way. Any money
raised allows us to spread our message, involve Asian-Americans at every level
of government, and help get out the Asian-American vote. We may even be able to
hire a full-time staffer dedicated to being a voice for
Asian-Americans.
If we work together, Asian-Americans will
continue to be a pivotal constituency group.
Warm regards,
AJ
AJ Durrani
President, AADT
Political Party Platforms & Campaigns--Side-by-side Comparisons
July 6, 2010
AADT's 2010 DEM STATE CONVENTION CAUCUS
The following Executive Committee of AADT for the term 2010 - 12 was announced June 25 at the AADT bi-annual Caucus at the 2010 Democratic State Convention in Corpus Christi, TX.
AADT Officers 2010-12
President: A. J. Durrani
Vice President: Eugenia Bey
Secretary: Francine Ly
Treasurer: Farrukh Shamsi
Immediate Past President: Mini Timmaraju
June 28, 2010
AADT ATTENDS SPEAKERS CABINET ISSUES CONFERENCE
AADT was invited to attend Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Cabinet 2010 Issues Conference on June 15 in Washington DC. The daylong conference included prominent speakers like ex-Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. The dinner speaker was Vice President Joe Biden. Given below is AADT President AJ Durrani with Speaker Pelosi.
ASIAN AMERICANS REQUEST CLARIFICATION FROM GOV. RICK PERRY
The Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) are requesting Governor Rick Perry to clarify his inclusion of a prominent Asian American in an 'attack ad' on his gubernatorial opponent former Mayor of Houston, Bill White.
As covered last Wednesday May 5 in an interview with Houston TV Channel 2, AADT is surprised and confused with the Rick Perry campaign utilizing Yao Ming, the highly popular star center of the Houston Rockets basketball team in an attack ad against Bill White when Rick Perry just two weeks prior was posing for photographs with Yao Ming at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for Shanghai Expo 2010.
We are concerned that Governor Perry's attack ad that features Yao Ming and pictures of Middle Eastern businessman, panders to one of the worst aspects of campaign politics - ethnic fear mongering. Governor Perry says we are 'overreacting', but AADT is disappointed that Governor Perry may be using the Asian community as a political pawn for his re-election.
Apparently when Governor Perry was recently standing with Yao Ming and leaders of the Chinese community in Houston in front of the Chinese, Texas & American flags talking about the mutually beneficial economic relationship between China & Texas, we (Asian Americans) were just props in a press conference.
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=384849#384849
AADT is calling for Governor Perry to apologize to the Asian community for his political pandering and hypocrisy. Alternatively, the Asian American community would like to meet with Governor Perry so that he can explain why he used Yao Ming as a negative political prop.
Founded in 1990 and recognized by the Texas Democratic Party as the sole representative organization for Asian Americans in Texas, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) serves as a link between the Asian American community and the larger political society. AADT undertakes a variety of activities, from political education to organizational gatherings and mobilization to meetings with elected officials to endorsement of like-minded candidates. With members throughout Texas, AADT currently has chapters in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President (cell phone 713-702-2377; Email:ajdurrani@aol.com)
May 12, 2010
Governor Perry Attack Ad with Bill White & Yao Ming
Houston Channel 2 TV story on Gov. Perry's attack ad on Bill White which unexplainably uses Asian American Yao Ming, starting center for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
May 9, 2010
ASIAN AMERICAN DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED CANDIDATE
U.S. Representative, District 18
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee
Governor
Bill White
Lieutenant Governor
Ronnie Earle
Texas State Representative District 27
Dora Olivo
Harris County - County Judge
Gordon Quan
Harris County - County Clerk
Sue Schechter
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313
Anthony Referente
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair
Steve Brown
Endorsement Process:
The endorsement decisions
were developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee and
Advisory Board at a duly called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races
were endorsed where one candidate received a two-thirds super-majority support
of the Endorsement Committee and it was a contested race. Some members of the
AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons prohibit them
from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President
713-702-2377
AADT's 2010 DEM STATE CONVENTION CAUCUS
AADT Officers 2010-12
President: A. J. Durrani
Vice President: Eugenia Bey
Secretary: Francine Ly
Treasurer: Farrukh Shamsi
Immediate Past President: Mini Timmaraju
June 28, 2010
AADT ATTENDS SPEAKERS CABINET ISSUES CONFERENCE
AADT was invited to attend Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Cabinet 2010 Issues Conference on June 15 in Washington DC. The daylong conference included prominent speakers like ex-Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. The dinner speaker was Vice President Joe Biden. Given below is AADT President AJ Durrani with Speaker Pelosi.
June 15, 2010
ASIAN AMERICANS REQUEST CLARIFICATION FROM GOV. RICK PERRY
The Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) are requesting Governor Rick Perry to clarify his inclusion of a prominent Asian American in an 'attack ad' on his gubernatorial opponent former Mayor of Houston, Bill White.
As covered last Wednesday May 5 in an interview with Houston TV Channel 2, AADT is surprised and confused with the Rick Perry campaign utilizing Yao Ming, the highly popular star center of the Houston Rockets basketball team in an attack ad against Bill White when Rick Perry just two weeks prior was posing for photographs with Yao Ming at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for Shanghai Expo 2010.
We are concerned that Governor Perry's attack ad that features Yao Ming and pictures of Middle Eastern businessman, panders to one of the worst aspects of campaign politics - ethnic fear mongering. Governor Perry says we are 'overreacting', but AADT is disappointed that Governor Perry may be using the Asian community as a political pawn for his re-election.
Apparently when Governor Perry was recently standing with Yao Ming and leaders of the Chinese community in Houston in front of the Chinese, Texas & American flags talking about the mutually beneficial economic relationship between China & Texas, we (Asian Americans) were just props in a press conference.
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=384849#384849
AADT is calling for Governor Perry to apologize to the Asian community for his political pandering and hypocrisy. Alternatively, the Asian American community would like to meet with Governor Perry so that he can explain why he used Yao Ming as a negative political prop.
Founded in 1990 and recognized by the Texas Democratic Party as the sole representative organization for Asian Americans in Texas, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) serves as a link between the Asian American community and the larger political society. AADT undertakes a variety of activities, from political education to organizational gatherings and mobilization to meetings with elected officials to endorsement of like-minded candidates. With members throughout Texas, AADT currently has chapters in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President (cell phone 713-702-2377; Email:ajdurrani@aol.com)
May 12, 2010
Governor Perry Attack Ad with Bill White & Yao Ming
Houston Channel 2 TV story on Gov. Perry's attack ad on Bill White which unexplainably uses Asian American Yao Ming, starting center for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
May 9, 2010
ASIAN AMERICAN DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED CANDIDATE
U.S. Representative, District 18
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee
Governor
Bill White
Lieutenant Governor
Ronnie Earle
Texas State Representative District 27
Dora Olivo
Harris County - County Judge
Gordon Quan
Harris County - County Clerk
Sue Schechter
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313
Anthony Referente
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair
Steve Brown
Endorsement Process:
The endorsement decisions
were developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee and
Advisory Board at a duly called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races
were endorsed where one candidate received a two-thirds super-majority support
of the Endorsement Committee and it was a contested race. Some members of the
AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons prohibit them
from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President
713-702-2377
The Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) are requesting Governor Rick Perry to clarify his inclusion of a prominent Asian American in an 'attack ad' on his gubernatorial opponent former Mayor of Houston, Bill White.
As covered last Wednesday May 5 in an interview with Houston TV Channel 2, AADT is surprised and confused with the Rick Perry campaign utilizing Yao Ming, the highly popular star center of the Houston Rockets basketball team in an attack ad against Bill White when Rick Perry just two weeks prior was posing for photographs with Yao Ming at the Chinese Consulate in Houston for Shanghai Expo 2010.
We are concerned that Governor Perry's attack ad that features Yao Ming and pictures of Middle Eastern businessman, panders to one of the worst aspects of campaign politics - ethnic fear mongering. Governor Perry says we are 'overreacting', but AADT is disappointed that Governor Perry may be using the Asian community as a political pawn for his re-election.
Apparently when Governor Perry was recently standing with Yao Ming and leaders of the Chinese community in Houston in front of the Chinese, Texas & American flags talking about the mutually beneficial economic relationship between China & Texas, we (Asian Americans) were just props in a press conference.
http://www.yaomingmania.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=384849#384849
AADT is calling for Governor Perry to apologize to the Asian community for his political pandering and hypocrisy. Alternatively, the Asian American community would like to meet with Governor Perry so that he can explain why he used Yao Ming as a negative political prop.
Founded in 1990 and recognized by the Texas Democratic Party as the sole representative organization for Asian Americans in Texas, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc. (AADT) serves as a link between the Asian American community and the larger political society. AADT undertakes a variety of activities, from political education to organizational gatherings and mobilization to meetings with elected officials to endorsement of like-minded candidates. With members throughout Texas, AADT currently has chapters in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President (cell phone 713-702-2377; Email:ajdurrani@aol.com)
May 12, 2010
Governor Perry Attack Ad with Bill White & Yao Ming
Houston Channel 2 TV story on Gov. Perry's attack ad on Bill White which unexplainably uses Asian American Yao Ming, starting center for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
May 9, 2010
ASIAN AMERICAN DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED CANDIDATE
U.S. Representative, District 18
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee
Governor
Bill White
Lieutenant Governor
Ronnie Earle
Texas State Representative District 27
Dora Olivo
Harris County - County Judge
Gordon Quan
Harris County - County Clerk
Sue Schechter
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313
Anthony Referente
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair
Steve Brown
Endorsement Process:
The endorsement decisions
were developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee and
Advisory Board at a duly called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races
were endorsed where one candidate received a two-thirds super-majority support
of the Endorsement Committee and it was a contested race. Some members of the
AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons prohibit them
from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ Durrani, President
713-702-2377
The Executive Committee of the Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following endorsements for the 2010 Democratic Primary Elections:
|
POSITION |
ENDORSED CANDIDATE |
|
U.S. Representative, District 18 |
Hon. Sheila Jackson Lee |
|
Governor |
Bill White |
|
Lieutenant Governor |
Ronnie Earle |
|
Texas State Representative District 27 |
Dora Olivo |
|
Harris County - County Judge |
Gordon Quan |
|
Harris County - County Clerk |
Sue Schechter |
|
Harris County - Juvenile District Court 313 |
Anthony Referente |
|
Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair |
Steve Brown |
February 18, 2010
Turning Texas Blue with Asian American Democrats
Chinatown Restaurant was packed last night as Austin's Asian American Democrats came out to the DNC AAPI Caucus Reception hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas. Among the many speakers was Bel Leong-Hong, the DNC AAPI Caucus Chair and Chair-Elect of Asian American Action Fund, who pointed out that Texas has never had an Asian American representative to the DNC and encouraged those present to run. Then there were the slews of politicians passing through to make their quick pitch for office. Gubernatorial candidates, Hank Gilbert and Tom Schieffer along with a surprise visit from Marc Katz, from Katz's Deli, who announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. Senatorial candidates John Sharp, who emphasized the opportune moment for turning Texas blue, and Bill White, who tailored his message to his experience with the Asian American community while Mayor of Houston. Overall, the night was a huge success as local judicial candidates Todd Wong, Brandy Mueller, Daniel Bradford, Olga Seelig, Eric Sheppard, Elizabeth Earle, Amy Clark Meachum, and John Lipscombe stopped in.
August 25, 2009
Asian-American Democrats of Texas (AADT)
August 28, 2009
ASIAN AMERICAN
DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2009 CITY OF HOUSTON CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the City of Houston November 2009 elections:
POSITION
ENDORSED
CANDIDATE
At-Large, Pos.
1
Herman Litt
At-Large, Pos. 2
Sue Lovell
At-Large, Pos.
3
Melissa Noriega
At-Large, Pos.
4
C. O. Bradford
At-Large, Pos.
5
Jolanda Jones
District A
Lane Lewis
District
F
Mike Laster
District H
Ed Gonzalez
District I
James
Rodriguez
Endorsement Process: The endorsement decisions were
developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee at a duly
called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races were endorsed where one
candidate received a super-majority support of the Executive Committee voting
members. Present at the Endorsement Decision meeting were members of the AADT
Advisory Board who participated in the discussions but could not vote. Some
members of the AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons
prohibit them from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ
Durrani, President 713-702-2377
August 25, 2009AADT would like to thank all of its members and supporters who attended the Asian-American
Democrats of Texas Candidates' Forum for making the event such a success.
Dozens of voters had the unique opportunity to meet with potential
Houston candidates and further inform themselves on the issues. All
of the candidates that spoke and participated in the forum are listed
below.
Annise Parker
Gene Locke
Peter Brown
Ronald Green
M.J. Khan
Karen Derr
Herman Litt
Rick Rodriguez
Stephen Costello
Sue Lovell
Rozzy Shorter
Melissa Noriega
C.O. Bradford
Noel Freeman
Jolanda Jones
Carlos Obando
Davetta Daniels
N/A
Lane Lewis
Bob Schoellkopf
Mike Laster
Lewis Cook
George Foulard
Dexter Handy
Oliver Pennington
Edward Gonzalez
August 22, 2009
Dear AADT members and supporters,
In the past election cycle, Asian-American
Democrats across Texas made their voices heard. We are a key constituency, and
it is important that we stay involved in the political process. In the eight
months since the 2008 elections, AADT has become organized in major metropolitan
areas in Texas, and it is now time to show what a force Asian-Americans have
become in Texas Democratic politics! We have many exciting events planned in the
next few months, and we are counting on the support and attendance of our AADT
members.
In Houston, the upcoming 2009 Municipal
elections in November are turning out to be exciting and competitive in every
race. To provide an opportunity for you to individually meet each candidate and
make your own personal evaluation,AADT has organized a Candidates’ Forum for
those running for Mayor, Controller, and City Council. This forum
will help decide who to endorse in the races.
The
Forum will be held on Tuesday
August 18th, from 6:00-8:00pm at Mayuri
Restaurant. The address is 5857 Westheimer Ave., Houston
77057.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Houston+&state=TX&address=5857+Westheimer&zipcode=77057
Tickets to the event will be at $15 per person.
The proceeds will be used to cover the costs of the event, Mayuri’s fine
refreshments, as well as future AADT projects.
Please RSVP to Mili Gosar at 832-640-7570 or at miligosar@gmail.com.
As Democrats gain ground statewide in Texas, we
intend to involve the Asian-American community every step of the way. Any money
raised allows us to spread our message, involve Asian-Americans at every level
of government, and help get out the Asian-American vote. We may even be able to
hire a full-time staffer dedicated to being a voice for
Asian-Americans.
If we work together, Asian-Americans will
continue to be a pivotal constituency group.
Warm regards,
AJ
AJ Durrani
President, AADT
August 28, 2009
ASIAN AMERICAN
DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2009 CITY OF HOUSTON CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The Executive Committee of the
Asian American Democrats of Texas, Inc., a registered Political Action Committee
with the Texas Ethics Commission, and a Democratic Caucus affiliated with the
Texas Democratic Party which has recognized it as the only statewide
organization representing Asian Americans, today announced the following
endorsements for the City of Houston November 2009 elections:
|
POSITION |
ENDORSED
CANDIDATE |
|
At-Large, Pos.
1
|
Herman Litt |
|
At-Large, Pos. 2 |
Sue Lovell |
|
At-Large, Pos.
3
|
Melissa Noriega |
|
At-Large, Pos.
4
|
C. O. Bradford |
|
At-Large, Pos.
5
|
Jolanda Jones |
|
District A |
Lane Lewis |
|
District
F
|
Mike Laster |
|
District H |
Ed Gonzalez |
|
District I |
James
Rodriguez |
Endorsement Process: The endorsement decisions were
developed by open voting of the members of the Executive Committee at a duly
called Endorsement Decision meeting. Only those races were endorsed where one
candidate received a super-majority support of the Executive Committee voting
members. Present at the Endorsement Decision meeting were members of the AADT
Advisory Board who participated in the discussions but could not vote. Some
members of the AADT Advisory Board did not participate because Judicial Canons
prohibit them from engaging in public endorsement of any candidates.
Contact: AJ
Durrani, President 713-702-2377
August 25, 2009
|
Annise Parker |
|
|
Gene Locke |
|
|
Peter Brown |
|
|
Ronald Green |
|
|
M.J. Khan |
|
|
Karen Derr |
|
|
Herman Litt |
|
|
Rick Rodriguez |
|
|
Stephen Costello |
|
|
Sue Lovell |
|
|
Rozzy Shorter |
|
|
Melissa Noriega |
|
|
C.O. Bradford |
|
|
Noel Freeman |
|
|
Jolanda Jones |
|
|
Carlos Obando |
|
|
Davetta Daniels |
N/A |
|
Lane Lewis |
|
|
Bob Schoellkopf |
|
|
Mike Laster |
|
|
Lewis Cook |
|
|
George Foulard |
|
|
Dexter Handy |
|
|
Oliver Pennington |
|
|
Edward Gonzalez |
August 22, 2009
If we work together, Asian-Americans will continue to be a pivotal constituency group.