Thanks to Nhu Le of Austin, TX for this summary of last night's reception welcoming the DNC Asian Pacific Islander American Caucus to Austin, TX! Cross-posted at AAA-Fund and Burnt Orange Report.

Turning Texas Blue with Asian American Democrats

Chinatown Restaurant was packed last night as Austin’s Asian American Democrats came out to the DNC AAPI Caucus Reception hosted by the Asian American Democrats of Texas. Among the many speakers was Bel Leong-Hong, the DNC AAPI Caucus Chair and Chair-Elect of Asian American Action Fund, who pointed out that Texas has never had an Asian American representative to the DNC and encouraged those present to run. Then there were the slews of politicians passing through to make their quick pitch for office. Gubernatorial candidates, Hank Gilbert and Tom Schieffer along with a surprise visit from Marc Katz, from Katz’s Deli, who announced that he is running for lieutenant governor. Senatorial candidates John Sharp, who emphasized the opportune moment for turning Texas blue, and Bill White, who tailored his message to his experience with the Asian American community while Mayor of Houston. Overall, the night was a huge success as local judicial candidates Todd Wong, Brandy Mueller, Daniel Bradford, Olga Seelig, Eric Sheppard, Elizabeth Earle, Amy Clark Meachum, and John Lipscombe stopped in.