Election Endorsements

Candidate and Proposition Endorsements for June 6, 2006 Primary Election

For the Primary Elections, it has been CAPA’s practice to endorse, when feasible, one Democratic (D) and one Republican (R) candidate for most partisan races.  Selections are based on candidate interviews and/or research on candidates’ qualifications and a 2/3 vote of the CAPA Board.  An endorsement for the primary does not necessarily mean endorsement for the November General Election.  A new set of endorsements will be made for the fall election.

On State propositions and local measures, CAPA Board’s recommendations also require a 2/3 supermajority vote.

GOVERNOR of CALIFORNIA
D:    No recommendation – Both major candidates, Steve Westly and Phil Angelides the primaries have shown strong leadership qualities and offer extensive experience and qualifications.  CAPA will evaluate this race in the November 2006 election.
R:    Arnold Schwarzenegger – Incumbent, unopposed.

LT. GOVERNOR of CALIFORNIA
D:    Jackie Speier – All the candidates offer extensive experience and qualifications, and this endorsement decision was not easy.  Speier has the experience on consumer protection and is highly recommended by friends and allies of CAPA.
R:    No recommendation

STATE CONTROLLER
CAPA endorses John Chiang for State Controller.  John has served as chair of the State Board of Equalization and is the most qualified and experienced among the candidates to serve as state controller.  John has championed the causes of Asian-Americans, including providing free tax assistance to immigrant families.

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
CAPA endorses Betty Yee who is a well-respected acting incumbent and has been doing an excellent job.  Betty has served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Finance and served as a key consultant to the State Legislative Budget committee.

U.S. CONGRESS
7th Congressional District
D:    George Miller – unopposed.   George Miller has served his district well for over 20 years. Miller has supported the Asian American community and was one of the few elected officials to speak forcefully regarding the case of Wen Ho Lee. He has been a tremendous friend of CAPA.
R:    No recommendation

10th Congressional District
D:    Ellen Tauscher – unopposed, Rep. Tauscher is the incumbent and has the experience to continue serving in Congress.
R:    No recommendation

11th Congressional District
D:    No recommendation
R:    Richard Pombo - Incumbent Richard Pombo has the experience and should continue to serve in Congress.

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
11th Assembly District
D:    Mark DeSaulnier - As a county supervisor, Mark DeSaulnier has served his district well and developed the extensive experience working on a wide range of policies that matter most to residents of the 11th Assembly district. He has supported and worked with CAPA and the Asian American community on numerous occasions.
R:    No recommendation

18th Assembly District
D:    Mary Hayashi – Both candidates offered extensive experience and qualifications, and this endorsement decision was not easy.  CAPA chose to endorse Hayashi because of her past support and advocacy on behalf of Asian-Americans in healthcare policy and funding.
R:    No recommendation

PROPOSITION 81
CAPA recommends Yes on Prop 81: California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006.  Proposition 81 seeks voter approval of $600 million in state bond funds, which would be combined with local funds to build new libraries and expand and renovate existing ones.

PROPOSITION 82
CAPA recommends Yes on Prop 82: Preschool Education, tax on Incomes over $400,000 for Individuals, $800,000 for couples.  This initiative is sponsored by children’s advocate Rob Reiner and Assemblymember Wilma Chan who is co-chairing the campaign, along with a coalition of business, education, labor and early childhood leaders, including the California Teachers Association.  If passed, Prop. 82 will provide every four-year-old in California with the opportunity to attend a quality preschool program.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Supervisor 4th District
CAPA makes no endorsement.  The Board will evaluate this race after the June 6 primary as there will likely be a runoff election.  This race is to fill the seat vacated by Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Superior Court Judge: 
CAPA endorses Dennis Hayashi who is a well-respected civil rights attorney and has worked to protect the working rights of Asian Americans at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and was former Director of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Board of supervisors, District 3
CAPA endorses Alice Lai-Bitker.  Lai-Bitker is the incumbent and the only Asian on the Board of Supervisors. She has served this District well, championing healthcare and social justice for her constituents