WASHINGTON, D.C. / October 25, 2006 — The Board of the Asian American Action Fund (AAA-Fund) voted unanimously to endorse Ben Cardin, democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maryland. Sen. Paul Sarbanes is retiring from the U.S. Senate after this term.

"Ben Cardin is a powerful lawmaker with enormous experience," said Paul Tiao, AAA-Fund co-founder and advisor. "He stands for the notion that by strengthening Americans, we strengthen America. This is why he is for health care, affordable college, and better jobs. We are proud to endorse him."

Cardin began his political career in the Maryland House of Delegates where he became Speaker for eight years. He has nearly 20 years of experience in Congress, during which he helped to secure millions in federal homeland security dollars for fire and police departments in Maryland, and fought to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

"Congressman Cardin understands that for the United States to lead a global economy and to head a global community, it must live by its values," said Erika L. Moritsugu, executive director of the AAA-Fund. "It is for this reason that he has worked to make sure that immigrant families can reunite sooner, that civil rights are protected, that racial profiling is stopped, and that bilingual help is given to all voters for whom English new."

Cardin faces Republican Michael Steele in the November 7 election. The AAA-Fund is helping to organize a community event for Cardin this Sunday, October 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Suresh C. Gupta in Potomac, MD.

"I am proud of the fact that the AAA-Fund has endorsed my candidacy," said Cardin. "This election is about new directions, new dreams, and new hopes. We need to do better, and we can. As Senator, I will do everything that I can to protect the rights and needs of the growing Asian American community in Maryland and all over the country. I will also make sure that qualified Asian Americans and other minorities are appointed to key positions in the state so that Maryland's leaders truly represent Maryland residents."

The AAA-Fund (www.aaa-fund.org) is a national Democratic political organization whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in local, state and federal government, by encouraging APAs to volunteer on campaigns, raise money for candidates, and run for political office.