On Sunday, May 2nd, please join Asian Pacific Americans for Progress as we host our annual State of Asian Pacific America House Party. We are pleased to announce that Kalpen Modi, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Congressmembers Mike Honda (CA-15) and Judy Chu (CA-32) and other noted guests, will be joining us, via conference call, for the nationwide event.

Back in 2008, the Asian American community in Philadelphia did a bang up job of organizing voters on behalf of Obama. One of the friendly faces in the Chinatown office back then was Mario Salazar, a friend and ally of APAP. Mario is now working for the Obama 2012 campaign in the pivotal state of Nevada where the Asian American vote is even more critical. Here's a profile of the new Regional Field Director.

Just got this note from our friend, Tricia Sung, with OCA-Georgia. A coalition of groups in Atlanta are sponsoring another Legislative Day on Thursday, February 9th. It's a full day of programs that looks great. If you're in the area, come on out.

2012 is turning into a watershed year for marriage equality. In just the past few weeks, there's been a lot of developments on the fight for equality. If all goes well, by November, LGBT Americans could have access to marriage in four additional states. (Of course, there would still be discrimination on the federal level, thanks to DOMA.) Here's a quick rundown:

CAPAL Internship and Scholarship Early Decision Application Deadline, 2/1 

The Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) is currently accepting Internship and Scholarship applications for 2012.

There are a record number of Asian Americans either running for Congress this cycle or flirting with the idea. Here's a quick update:

Ami Bera (CA-07), Mark Takano (CA-41), Manan Trivedi (PA-06)

The Washington State legislature begins debate on a marriage equality bill tomorrow. It's a bill that, if passed, would make Washington the seventh state to offer equal marriage rights to its gay and lesbian citizens on a state level. (Full equal rights will require the removal of the federal-level Defense of Marriage Act.)

Here's a press release we just got from our friends at APAICS. Check it out.

After a hardfought battle for Los Angeles City Council, with hopes of becoming only the second Asian American ever to serve on that body, CA Assemblymember Warren Furutani came up short in his special election on Tuesday. Policeman and political novice Joe Buscaino won by 20%, beating Warren and his formidable list of supporters.

Best of luck to Warren and his future endeavors. He just sent out this message:

Hey just wanted to share this info, in case anyone was looking to get a job in the campaign. These are the people to talk to.