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US elections hit
Taiwan Caucus
OUT: The Congressional Taiwan Caucus lost some
valuable members as a result of retirement, losing primaries or running for
higher office
By William Lowther / Staff reporter in WASHINGTON
This week¡¦s US elections have left the Congressional Taiwan Caucus with glaring
gaps as some of the most valuable of the 154 House caucus members were defeated.
This includes Democrats Howard Berman and Shelly Berkley.
In the Senate, Democrat Joe Lieberman retired and Republican George Allen ¡X the
first co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus ¡X was defeated in his challenge for
an open seat.
¡§We have lost some valuable old friends,¡¨ Formosan Association for Public
Affairs official Coen Blaauw said.
As a result of retirement, losing primaries or running for higher office, the
House Taiwan Caucus lost the following members: Mike Pence (Republican), Dennis
Rehberg (R), Shelley Berkley (Democrat), Mike Ross (D), Elton Gallegly (R),
Jerry Costello (D), Dan Burton (R), Sue Myrick (R), Brad Miller (D), Edolphus
Towns (D), Maurice Hinchey (D), Dan Boren (D), Charles Gonzalez (D), Gary
Ackerman (D), Steven Rothman (D), John Sullivan (R), Tim Holden (D) and Cliff
Stearns (R).
In addition, the following House Taiwan Caucus members were defeated in the
election: Pete Stark (D), Howard Berman (D), Laura Richardson (D), Ben Chandler
(D), Chip Cravaack (R), Nan Hayworth (R) and Ann Marie Buerkle (R).
Two other members, Republicans Dan Lungren and Brian Bilbray appear to be
losing, but have asked for a vote recount.
On the Senate side there were a total of 27 members, but two, Lieberman and Jon
Kyl (R), are retiring.
The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development
(National CAPACD) reported on Wednesday that Asian-Americans had voted for US
President Barack Obama in ¡§enormous numbers.¡¨
While only 41 percent of Asian-Americans identify as Democrats, 72 percent voted
for Obama and only 26 percent for Republican challenger Mitt Romney. In
congressional races, 73 percent of Asian-American voters backed Democratic
candidates, while 27 percent backed Republicans.
¡§Romney had room to win the overlooked Asian-American community,¡¨ National
CAPACD executive director Lisa Hasegawa said.
¡§While Obama¡¦s narrative attracted Asian-American voters, Romney missed an
enormous opportunity to offer a direct appeal to this group,¡¨ she said.
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