Election Endorsements

Candidate and Proposition Recommendation
November 2, 2010 General Election

CAPA is a nonpartisan organization. Candidate recommendations are based on research conducted by the Board and, when possible, candidate interviews. The Board studied, analyzed, and debated the merits of each Proposition. Recommendations are made with a strong emphasis on the interests of CAPA and its members. A 2/3 majority vote of the Board is required for each endorsement. These results are published as guidelines for your use.

United States Government

US Senate - Barbara Boxer
Boxer has represented the State of California well. CAPA continues to support Boxer.

US Representative District 7 - George Miller
Miller is a seasoned and consistent policymaker, and has been an active supporter of CAPA
events and interns for many years.

US Representative District 10 - John Garamendi
CAPA endorsed Garamendi in the 2009 special election for the same congressional seat; he has served capably during his first term.

US Representative District 11 - No endorsement
CAPA supported the incumbent congressman McNerney in the past, but, in our experience, he has shown a lack of attention to communicating with the Asian American community.

State of California

Governor - Meg Whitman
80-20 Initiative endorses Whitman. CAPA concurs with 80-20’s endorsement. 80-20 worked diligently to secure both Brown’s and Whitman’s assurance that if elected, he/she would address the API community’s major inequity concerns. Brown declined to respond to the request despite 80-20's repeated efforts. Whitman responded with a signed letter (attached at end of this document) pledging equal opportunity to qualified API’s in her administration and in schools. Whitman also promised to meet with API coalition members to discuss other API issues. Based on this commitment, CAPA gives the nod to Whitman. Visit www.80-20initiative.net for more information. Click here to view Whitman's response to 80-20.

Lieutenant Governer - Gavin Nemson
Newsom’s re-election as Mayor of San Francisco in 2007 with 72% of the vote is an indication of his effectiveness and the public’s support.

Secretary of State - Debra Bowen
We approve of Bowen's open-government policy, measures to empower voters, and outreach to the API community.

Controller - John Chiang
We approve of Chiang's strong performance as State Controller.

Treasurer - Bill Lockyer
Incumbent Lockyer has been capably managing the state's $70 billion investments during these difficult economic times.

Attorney General - Kamala Harris
Harris has significant experience as a two-term San Francisco District Attorney.

Insurance Commissioner - Dave Jones
CAPA believes that Jones will be a strong advocate for consumers and will hold the insurance industry accountable.

State Board of Equalization District 1 - Betty Yee
Yee has been a trusted steward of over $53 billion in annual revenues to fund the state's vital programs.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Tom Torlakson
Torlakson's career as a respected teacher and an accomplished legislator has prepared him to be an effective spokesperson for public education. He has been an active supporter of CAPA events and interns for many years.

State Assembly District 11 - Susan Bonilla
Bonilla has proven to be a capable county supervisor and we believe that she is ready to be a state assembly member.

State Assembly District 14 - Nancy Skinner
As incumbent, Skinner has served her district of west Contra Costa and north Alameda counties well. CAPA supports her re-election.

State Assembly District 16 - Joan Buchanan
Buchanan has performed her duties to her district capably, and has demonstrated her accessibility to the APA community.

Contra Costa County and Local Government

District Attorney - Dan O'Malley
Both candidates are well qualified, but O’Malley edges out his opponent due to his stated commitment to API outreach.

San Ramon Valley School Board - Rachel Hurd, Denise Jennison, Ken Mintz
Experienced and dedicated leaders of this school community.

Moraga Town Council - Ken Chew
Ken is an incumbent Moraga council member and the current mayor and has worked effectively to preserve and enhance Moraga's unique environment and quality of life. Ken is a former CAPA board member.

Statewide Propositions

Proposition 19 - Legalization of Marijuana: YES
We should regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol, and use the money on vital state services. Federal laws will eventually change due to the benefit of such legalization.

Proposition 20 - Congressional Redistricting by Commission: NO
This proposal drastically moves up the redistricting timeline, potentially hindering the Citizens Redistricting Commission's work for fair redistricting for California.

Proposition 21 - Car Registration Fees for State Parks: NO
We need real budget reform, not another proposition that charges extra fees for another specific use.

Proposition 22 - Funds for Transportation and Local Government: YES
We believe in the importance of keeping money for local services and transportation within its intended purpose. The State should not redirect its use.

Proposition 23 - To Suspend Global Warming Law until Economy Gets Better: NO
California should continue to embrace clean energy and air pollution standards. We oppose this proposition, which was initiated by oil companies.

Proposition 24 - Repeal Business Tax Break: NO
The purpose of the existing business tax break is to help stimulate the state economy. To repeal the current tax break has the potential to force more jobs out of California.

Proposition 25 - Simple Majority Vote for State Budget: YES
We support a simple majority vote on the budget, as in 47 other states.

Proposition 26 - 2/3 Vote for Fees and Charges: NO
It would be impractical to require a 2/3 approval of fees and charges, which serve a different purpose than taxes.

Proposition 27 - Redistricting by the Legislature: NO
This proposition would eliminate the Citizens Redistricting Commission that was approved by voters in 2008, and would give the authority for drawing district lines back to the Legislature. We support the Commission in moving forward and fulfilling the 2008 mandate.