Republicans paid EDI $8,000
The Executive Development Institute (EDI), an agency that trains Asian and Hispanic American professional leaders, held its graduation dinner for 270 guests at the Bellevue Hilton’s ballroom on Nov. 2. It was held on the same night and same place as the Republicans’ election-night celebration.
The EDI booked the place months in advance, but Republicans gladly paid the EDI $8,000 to move its event upstairs. No wonder EDI’s executive director was seen smiling. Not only were there more than 30 graduates, money was saved.
A sad day for people of color
Three persons of color lost in the Washington state elections. Sen. Chris Marr, of Chinese and Japanese heritage, lost to a Republican challenger.
Sen. Claudia Kauffman, the only American Indian female elected official in Washington state, also lost. Currently (at press time), Sen. Steve Hobbs, who is half white/half Japanese, has a razor-thin lead over his opponent.
Nice additions to legislature
Cindy Ryu, former mayor of Shoreline, has been elected as the first Korean American female legislator in Washington state. Ryu was quick to rebound from the loss of her seat on the Shoreline City Council last year.
No one expected Ryu to sit still after her defeat. An immigrant herself, she is a role model inspiring more immigrants to get involved in politics.
Latinos won big nationwide. Congratulations to the Latino community for winning many important races in the country. Republican Jaime Herrera won Washington’s 3rd congressional district in Vancouver. New Mexico has a new female governor, Susana Martinez (R). Florida has a new U.S. senator Marco Rubio (R). In Southern California, Loretta Sanchez (D) retained her seat in Congress.
Is Rossi’s political career over?
Stick around. That is my advice to U.S. senate candidate. Most think that Rossi should quit.
But remember Richard Nixon? He lost the presidency to John Kennedy in 1960. Then he ran for governor in California in 1962 and lost. He ran again for president and won in 1968. It took him eight years to realize a comeback.
Rossi’s weakness was in debate, and he fumbled during media interviews. That’s not too hard to improve upon. ♦