Hey folks - You may have heard that the New Organizing Institute's 2009 Boot Camp involves a simulation exercise where 8 superheroes are running for the Mayor of D.C. This year, we have not just one, but two, Asian American candidates in the running: Ryan Choi (aka The Atom) and Cassandra Cain (aka Batgirl). Here's a look at their respective bios:

The Atom:

A straight shooter with a strong moral compass, The Atom is the foremost protector of his beloved Washington, D.C. His shrinking capabilities enable him to battle injustices at any level, even those which are invisible to the naked eye. D.C. and its citizens are The Atom's top priority, as he continuously combats any threat the city faces and believes in policies that will benefit its residents.

The Atom's combination of ingenuity and keen decisiveness, in addition to his shrinking capabilities, give him the ultimate ability to conquer formidable foes. For several years The Atom has utilized his powers and background in science to defend D.C. against purveyors of evil magic. Among such battles against evil magic, none has been more legendary than his fight with M'nagalah, the notorious ancient Cancer God and his microscopic aliens known as The Waiting. The Atom's strengths were enough to guard off the invaders and spare D.C. from catastrophe.

It is evident that The Atom is firm in maintaining public safety in D.C. However, this is not the limit of his passion for the city. He is committed to solving other problems the city faces and believes in scientific approaches in solving these issues. With the precise harnessing of science and technological advances, problems such as joblessness, health and education reform, as well as environmental issues can be eradicated. Through the creation of high tech jobs, unemployment can be reduced and D.C.'s local economy can be a formidable player on an international level. The Atom believes that scientific research will one day erase all malignant diseases and other health risks people face. However, until that day arrives the need for healthcare access is immensely important. No one should be denied medical access because of lack of insurance or other means.

Batgirl:

Batgirl is the only candidate who has the background, the qualifications, and the supernatural intuition to lead the District of Columbia.

- Raised (against her will) as an assassin in the evil underworld before breaking free and becoming an all-star justice-seeking superhero, Batgirl knows the realm of criminals inside out. Crime is D.C.’s most pressing problem, and Batgirl’s superpower ability to predict human movement would reinforce her proactive approach to crime: unlike other, reactive superheroes, she can prevent it before it happens.

- As someone formerly illiterate who taught herself how to read, write, and speak as a young woman, Batgirl knows the importance of a good education—especially in the trying job market of the District of Columbia. With a PhD in Library Science and already the head of the library system of a major metropolitan city, Batgirl is the best possible advocate for stronger school systems.

- A brave encounter with the Joker left Batgirl shot and paralyzed by a bullet. The experience, paired with her hearing- and speaking-impaired childhood, has given her a personal connection to disabled and disenfranchised communities everywhere. As an Asian-American, Batgirl knows what it means to be in the minority, and would assure that no one’s voice would not be heard—she is an icon for equal rights for all.

(Strangely enough, the Batgirl bio seems to combine that of Barbara Gordon - the first Batgirl - with that of Cassandra Cain - the current one, whose mother is Sandra Wu-San, aka Lady Shiva.)

Check out their campaigns at NOI and cast your votes tomorrow July 10 between 7am-6pm!