As the Nov. 7 election approaches, candidates across California have come face to face with a new reality: the Asian American voter.

Asian American voters have become a force candidates must recognize, significantly increasing their potential voting power, according to an analysis conducted by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center and the UC Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Initiative.

In just five years, from 2000 to 2005, the number of Asian Americans in the state who are eligible to vote increased from 2 million to 2.5 million, making the group 12 percent of the state’s population of eligible voters, according to the study.

“This growth has contributed to the increasing number of Asian American state and elected officials in California,” said Don Nakanishi, director of UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center, in a news release announcing the results of the study. “The Asian American political infrastructure of voters, donors, politicians and community groups also has undergone remarkable growth and maturation, and will likely have an increasingly significant impact on state and national politics.”

It undoubtedly has had an effect on the number of Asian Americans seeking office in California, including three running for statewide posts: John Chiang, a candidate for controller, and Judy Chu and Betty Yee, running for election to the state Board of Equalization.

Of the Asian Americans hoping to win a seat, nearly 20 of them in Orange County are of Vietnamese descent.

It isn’t surprising to those who study politics. Asian Americans — particularly Vietnamese Americans —  are the new shining stars of California politics, both on the ballot and at the polls.

“Vietnamese Americans are the most rapidly emerging force in California politics in recent years,” said Terry Christensen, a political science professor at San Jose State University and a specialist on state and local politics. “In San Jose, where Vietnamese are over 10 percent of the city’s population of nearly 1 million, Vietnamese elected a councilwoman (Madison Nguy?n) recently and our two finalist candidates for mayor — neither of whom is Vietnamese — are fighting for support from this important emerging group of voters.”

The numbers certainly are there, as long as Asian Americans turn out to vote.

The recent study said the growth of the number of Asian American voters is attributed to the higher number of Asian Americans living in California and their higher rate of citizenship. Between 2000 and 2005, according to the study, the number of Asian Americans living in the state increased from 3.8 million to 4.7 million, accounting for 38 percent of the net gain of 2.2 million people in the state.

Asian Americans also experienced an increase in their citizenship rate: 71 percent of Asian Americans adults are U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization, representing an increase from 67 percent in 2000, researchers said. In 1990, there were just a little more than 1 million Asian American adult citizens.

“With this growth comes increased expectations and engagement in the political process,” said Vivian Huang, legislative advocate for Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality in Sacramento, Calif.

And in Orange County, Asian Americans certainly are engaged, judging by the nearly two dozen Asians on the ballot in local races.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that more and more Asian Americans are running for office,” Huang said.
Christensen said the number of Vietnamese Americans on the ballot should service to attract fellow Vietnamese to the polls.

“Vietnamese voter registration continues to increase as more and more Vietnamese come of age and/or become citizens,” he said. “Many are also attracted by having one of their own on the ballot, like other immigrant groups before them. At some point for every immigrant group, a critical mass forms with enough voters to sustain candidates from the group and interest grows from there — interest in voting as well as running. The key moment for every group is when the first one or two candidates get elected and show the way, so Van Tr?n in Orange County and Madison Nguy?n in San Jose are really trailblazers for the Vietnamese community well beyond their own districts.”

Tru?ng Di?p
Candidate for: Midway City Sanitary District
Resides: Westminster
Education: BA in public administration; graduate student at Long Beach State
Occupation: Legislative representative
Family: Single
Qualifications: Legislative representative for Assemblyman Van Tr?n; member of an Advisory Commission for Orange County District Attorney’s Office; member of the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee
Why are you seeking this position? “Our sanitation fee went from an annual rate of $96 in 2004 to a whopping $264 in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the rate will continue to rise until the year 2011 where it will top at $357.60. In addition, the Vietnamese American voters make up about one-third of the population in the district yet our community does not have any official voice or representation on the board of directors. “
What appeals to you about public office? “The ability to help other people on a wholesale level and effectively advocate for the ideas that I believe in.”
Who is your political hero? “Ronald Reagan because Communism was defeated under his watch.”

John Qu?c Duong
Candidate for: Mayor of Irvine
Education: MBA from UC Irvine; BA in political science-public service from UC Davis.
Occupation: Senior executive in an Orange County-based property management and investment firm.
Family: Wife, Vickie; son Ethan, 4, and daughter Lizzie, 2
Qualifications: A former presidential appointee in the administration of George W. Bush, Duong coordinated government-wide efforts to increase health care support for underserved populations.  As deputy director in Gov. Pete Wilson’s Office of Community Relations, he  outreached with diverse communities. His community involvement includes serving on the board of directors of the Orange County American Red Cross and a nonprofit center for aging. He is a member of the City of Irvine Finance Commission.
Campaign promise: “In the years ahead, the Irvine landscape will change dramatically as the Great Park unfolds and planned development takes shape.  I will ensure this growth is managed to improve traffic flow, to guard against increased taxes and fees, and to provide improved services for our young families and seniors.”

An Lê (photo unavailable)
Candidate for: Garden Grove City Council
Campaign pledge: “I will fight to promote high educational standards, strong support programs for our children and senior citizens, and public safety. ...I am committed to support smart and responsible business development while striving to maintain the vibrant character of our residential communities.”
Her views on the city: “Our residential neighborhoods are our greatest strength. The people of Garden Grove care deeply about the city. We have many events, such as the Strawberry Festival, that form the historical heritage of Orange County. I will work hard to preserve the quality of life in our community and pride in our citizens. Our residents must come first.”
 
Hà M?ch
Candidate for: Westminster City Council
Age: 54
Education: BS degree in business management from Cal State Long Beach
Occupation: Businessman and a licensed real-estate broker
Family: Married; two daughters, one a pharmacist, the other a pharmacist intern
Qualifications: “I have 30 years of experience in product development, finance and marketing that provides me with the necessary skills to listen to different points of view, to collaborate on solutions and to unite people around a common vision to do the job. The City Council is also a Redevelopment Agency. I have 21 years of experience as a licensed real-estate broker who has been working in Westminster to know its history and its financial viability. Therefore, I can make informed and intelligent decisions on redevelopment issues.”
Why are you seeking this position? “In this position I can address issues and decide on policies that directly benefit residents of Westminster.” Issues he wants to address include police deployment, speeding and street racing; the Rose Center debt; trash and graffiti; water rates; utility taxes; and employee morale.
What appeals to you about public office? “This is where I can contribute my talents and experiences to implement policies that positively affect people’s lives. I want to work for the improvement of the health care delivery system in Westminster. I am a passionate, caring person and I want to help save lives.”

Diana Duong Mendez
Candidate for: Westminster School District
Education: BS in computer science, University of California at Riverside
Occupation: Public-school liaison
Family: Two graduated daughters of Westminster School District
Qualifications: More than a decade of teaching and working in classrooms with Westminster students. Raised two daughters through Westminster School District and volunteered for many school programs and religious community services.
Why are you seeking this position? “I would like to utilize my experience and high-quality education to serve our children for the best of their educational future and to protect family values as well.”
What appeals to you about public office? “Honor and responsibility.”
Who is your politician hero? “At this moment, I am not a politician. I purely stand for better education for our children.”

Andrew Nguy?n
Candidate for: Westminster School District
Occupation: Classified employee for 17 years in the Garden Grove Unified School District
Family: Married; two children
Qualifications: “As a member of the executive board in my local California School Employees Association chapter, I serve on the negotiations team, where I learned the value of collaborative problem-solving between district employees and administrators...My many years of experience as a classified employee and activist with CSEA qualify me to serve our children.”
Campaign pledge: “I will represent all stakeholders of our diverse district. Only as a united community can we effectively serve our students and provide the best education possible.”

Chuong D. “John” Nguy?n
Candidate for: Garden Grove Unified School District
Age: 38
Education: MS in electrical engineering, BS in computer engineering
Occupation: Telecommunication software engineer
Family: Married; children ages 7 and 9
Qualifications: “Besides working as an engineer for more than 15 years, I am currently serving Garden Grove as Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commissioner. The duties are to protect, to conserve and to improve our neighborhood’s beauty and great values for our citizens, our children, and our future generations. My two children currently attend GGUSD. One is a child with special needs. I am a volunteer teacher at the TTVN H?ng B?ng Vietnamese School, a member of Toastmasters International and former vice president of public relations of Westminster’s Toastmasters Club.”
Why are you seeking this position? “I’ve experienced firsthand the issues that our public education is facing. ...When elected, I will address the concerns of our children, students, students with special needs, parents, teachers, and community in the decision making of our K-12 education system.”
What appeals to you about public office? “I love public service. I always encourage voluntary public service to everyone I know, especially to the youth.”

Dina Nguy?n
Candidate for: Garden Grove City Council
Age: 40
Education: Law degree from Pacific Coast University School of Law
Occupation: Attorney, businesswoman, commissioner
Family: Three children and two red-ant farms
Qualifications: “My exposure to city issues while serving on the Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commission has given me a broader understanding of the city’s needs and resources. While employed by the Superior Court of Orange County, I was constantly exposed to varying concerns and views about critical criminal and civil issues affecting our community... My law background would allow me to better understand the legal scope and limitations imposed on resolutions and decisions put forth by the City Council.”
Why are you seeking this position? “I share the same views as friends and neighbors who want to see a safer Garden Grove, a public-service oriented Garden Grove, an attractive Garden Grove, and, most importantly, a more prosperous Garden Grove. We all have a common interest in Garden Grove, and I believe that I have what it takes to protect this interest.”
Who is your political hero? “One of my role models is Colin Powell. He represents the American dream as well as the American ideal citizen. Son of Jamaican immigrants, he obtained the highest rank possible in the military through hard work and the desire to serve and protect this nation.”
  
L?ctân Nguy?n
Candidate for: Garden Grove City Council
Age: 61
Education: BA in business administration, BS in computer information systems, MA in economics and finance, professional credential in single-subject mathematics
Occupation: Administrator, counselor, educator
Family: Wife; two sons and one daughter
Qualifications: “I have been trained to work as a government official. I have been working as the Vietnamese community activist in Garden Grove for more than 15 years with experience in public and local government relations. I also worked in social services to serve and help the needy people in refugee and Calworks programs in Orange County for more than five years.”
Why are you seeking this position? “I have lived in Garden Grove since 1994. I always follow all the development and difficulties of the city. I want to contribute my efforts as well as my capacity to serve the community to solve the issues that the city faces to maintain the growth and prosperity of the city.”
What appeals to you about public office? “I would like to be a part of this decision-making body, to use my capacity to serve the community for the best benefit of the city and its citizens and to prevent the abuse of power.”
Who is your political hero? John F. Kennedy

Lân Qu?c Nguy?n
Candidate for: Garden Grove Unified School District
Education: BA from UC Riverside, law degree from Hastings College of the Law at the University of California
Occupation: Attorney
Public service experience: Four years on school board. Former Garden Grove planning commissioner.
Goals if reelected: 1. Continue to improve test scores and to increase the number of students prepared for college, whether they want to pursue further education or not. Today’s job market demands more than a basic education. 2. Start the e-mail system to encourage more communication between parents and teachers and encourage parents to get more involved in their children’s education. 3. Expand on the current board meeting’s audio recording to allow live video broadcast via the Internet. This video broadcast system would allow the community to participate in the board meetings without the need to be present at the meetings. Board members may be more responsive to the public if they know that many people are watching them.

Lu Tu?n Nguy?n
Candidate for: Coast Community College District, Area 1
Education: BA in political science, UCLA; master’s in library and information science, San Jose State; and law degree from Northrop University.
Occupation: Public law librarian
His view of public service: “I believe that my mission is to assist the needy. I would like to bring joy and comfort to others.”
Priorities if elected: “To preserve, maintain and enhance the good working relationship between the faculty, staff and the administration; to continue meeting the educational needs of the communities; and to continue improving the sound fiscal policy.”

Tân Nguy?n
Candidate for: U.S. House of Representatives, District 47
Residence: Santa Ana
Age: 32
Education: Degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Occupation: Businessman
Family: Wife, H?nh Lâm, and son Evan Vi?t D?c Nguy?n, 9 months
Qualifications: “I have an intense desire to help my community.”
Why are you seeking this position?  “I am seeking this position because I want to fight for the things that are truly important for the people of this district and to the American people. The issues of the campaign are illegal immigration, corruption in politics, care for our elderly, border security, keeping jobs in America.”
What appeals to you about public office? “Public office is one of the best ways to affect changes; it is a great way to serve your community and your country, and making society a better place for all of us.”
Who is your political hero? Thomas Jefferson

Trung Nguy?n
Candidate for: Orange County Water District, Division 1
Resides: Garden Grove
Education: Law degree from Western State University College of Law, a MS degree from Cal State Los Angeles and a BS degree in engineering from UCLA.
Occupation: Employed by The Aerospace Corp., which supports national security space programs. He also serves on the Garden Grove Unified School District board.
Qualifications: “My education and career experience makes me a prime candidate for the OCWD...With a combination of more than 25 years working as an engineer and a lawyer, I will solve OCWD’s challenging issues. As our division’s population grows, the OCWD will need to tackle and solve future challenges in maintaining the quality and supply of water.”
Campaign pledge: “To sustain quality of life in Orange County, particularly in cities of Garden Grove, Stanton, Westminster and Midway City, OCWD needs to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water. I am committed to provide a fresh leadership and energetic representation for the residents of OCWD
Division 1.

Andy Quách
Candidate for reelection to: Westminster City Council
Age: 34
Education: Military Science degree from the University of Alaska; degree in social science from Chapman University
Occupation: Real-estate development
Family: Single
Public service experience: “I have served four years on the Westminster City Council, including one year as Mayor Pro Tem. Also, I spent two years on the Planning Commission and two years on the Financial Review Committee. I am currently a member of the Orange County District Attorney’s Advisory Committee.”
Why are you seeking this position? “So that I can continue to provide quality representation for the people of Westminster and to be a part of progress for my community. I want to keep taxes low, to improve services, to look out for our senior citizens, to expand after-school programs for our students and to elevate the quality of life in Westminster.”
What appeals to you about public service? “The fact that you can be part of the growth of your community, the fact that you can help individuals on a one-on-one basis and affect policies that will help people with their business as well as to improve property values.”
Who is your political hero? “My political hero is anyone who is willing to sacrifice their free time  and their anonymity for the opportunity to serve for the betterment of their community.”

Trí T?
Candidate for: Westminster City Council
Age: 33
Education: BA in political science, completed coursework in MA program in international relations
Occupation: Managing editor of VietSALON, a trade magazine targeting the Vietnamese salon professionals
Family: Wife Qu?-Anh Ðòan; daughter Tríanh T?, 4
Qualifications: “I was a legislature representative of a state assemblyman in 1998; was appointed to the Asian Pacific National Steering Committee in 2004; former president of the Vietnamese Community of Southern California; served as a commissioner of the Westminster’s Energy Committee; a community volunteer for more than 10 years; currently a member of the Westminster’s Advisory Committee of the Disabled.”
Why are you seeking this position? “I was encouraged by many concerned members of the local community and Westminster residents. My goal is to make Westminster better for many families by keeping Westminster beautiful, clean, safe, family-friendly as well as business-friendly.”
What appeals to you about public office? “I am looking for an opportunity to serve the people more efficiently.”
Who is your political hero? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Van Tamom
Candidate for: State Assemby, District 60
Resides: Chino Hills
Age: 27
Education: BA degree, Cal State Northridge
Occupation: Public relations officer
Family: Sister, stepsister, two stepbrothers
Qualifications: “I have been involved for several years in politics and helping others in minority communities. It is something that I believe I can accomplish best in the State Assembly. As a first generation Vietnamese/Cambodian American, I believe that all of us must become more civically engaged and I have and will continue to work to get everyone involved in the political landscape.”
Why are you seeking this position? “I believe that it is time for a new voice in the State Assembly to represent progressive politics that will benefit all Californians. Fully funding public education, creating new opportunities for small business to succeed and making healthcare affordable and accessible will be my priorities should I be elected to office.”
What appeals to you about public office? It is “an opportunity to give back to the state and nation that has given me so many opportunities for a good education, a healthy life, and the ability to pursue the American Dream.”
Who is your political hero? John F. Kennedy. His unwavering commitment to public service and his words of inspiration moved me to become involved in politics.

Frank Tr?n
Candidate for: Westminster School District. 
Age: 36
Education: BS in civil engineering, Cal Poly Pomona
Occupation: Associate civil engineer in the Public Works Department, City of Newport Beach
Family: Wife, Lynn; three daughters: Emily, 6; Vina “Mimi”, 4; and Leyna 8 months
Qualifications: “I came here in 1990 after spending three years in refugee camps. I understand the needs of students and parents in minority groups.”
Why are you seeking this position? “When my daughter’s special education was not provided by the WSD, I researched the education law myself, filed for a due-process (lawsuit) against WSD. From my own experience, I learned that most tax dollars went to teacher’s benefits and retiree’s benefits (five times the state’s average). Money for textbooks is less than the state average while more than half of all WSD students do not meet state English Language Standards.
Who is your political hero? Former Republic of Vi?t Nam President Ngô Ðình Di?m and President Abraham Lincoln. One sacrificed his life for the people, and the other one started in a poor family, learned to be a lawyer by himself, erased slavery in America.
Special notes: Tr?n is a write-in candidate in Westminster. Voters can vote for no more than two candidates listed on the ballot, and those selecting him must write in TRAN at the bottom of the list and check the box at the end of that line.

Van Tr?n
Candidate for reelection to: State Assembly, District 68
Resides: Westminster
Age: 41
Education: BA in political science from UC Irvine; MA in public administration and a law degree from Hamline University in Minnesota
Occupation: Attorney/legislator
Family: Wife, Cindy
Qualifications: Staff aide to former Rep. Robert Dornan, 1985-87; special assistant to former State Sen. Ed Royce, 1988; Garden Grove planning commissioner, 1998-2000; Garden Grove council member and vice mayor, 2000-04; elected to the Assembly in 2004.
Why seek reelection? “There are a number of priorities that I am still working on for the next term relating to the fiscal health of the state of California and ongoing important issues such as health care, education and transportation.”
What appeals to you about public office? “I can contribute to my community at a greater impact, and I can provide a voice for those who are underrepresented.”
Who is your political hero? “Ronald Reagan. I grew into political maturity while he was serving his second term as president.”