80-20 PAC, the largest Asian American Political Action Committee, announced today its endorsement, with reservation, of Secretary Hillary Clinton for President. The unanimous decision was reached at an Endorsement Convention of elected delegates representing the membership of the 80-20 organization with equal numbers of
Democratic, Republican and Independent delegates
.
80-20 endorses Sec. Clinton as the better choice of the two main candidates for President for her overall stance on minority rights and the overall better record of service of the Democratic Party to Asian Americans over the last four years in comparison to the Republican record. The endorsement is made 'with reservation' because of Sec. Clinton's lack of recognition of the unique concerns of Asian Americans including the unequal higher standards in college admissions currently in place for Asian Americans. The delegates resolved that neither major candidate adequately addresses Asian American concerns. Both Mr. Trump and Sec. Clinton were invited to address the delegates at 80-20's Endorsement Convention via a brief teleconference call, but neither accepted. Only Sec. Clinton replied to 80-20's issues questionnaire. Her response was satisfactory on some points but wholly unsatisfactory on the issue of barriers to college admissions for Asian Americans.
"We don't like that Sec Clinton doesn't think we are important enough to her campaign for her to talk to us," said Dr. S.B. Woo, former Lt Gov of Delaware and the founding president of 80-20PAC. Addressing Clinton directly, Woo said, "You need to re-evaluate your prioritites. We will not accept benign neglect."
The "endorse with reservations" recommendation means that 80-20 leaves it to its members who already hold a strong preference for one candidate or the other to continue that support. 80-20 will not be putting out its full effort to flip votes as they would do for a candidate who did show strong support for Asian American concerns. Undecided voters are encouraged to vote for Sec Hillary Clinton.
