WASHINGTON, D.C. / September 24, 2006 — The Board of the Asian American Action Fund (AAA-Fund) congratulated endorsed candidates Sen. Daniel Akaka and Congressional candidate Mazie Hirono for their victories in the Democratic Primary in Hawai'i yesterday.

"We stand behind Sen. Akaka and Mazie Hirono because of what they stand for," said Erika L. Moritsugu, executive director of the AAA-Fund. "Sen. Akaka has been a champion of progressive causes in the Senate, including immigration, education, the rights of Native Hawai'ians, and many other issues important to the Asian Pacific American community. He deserves another term to continue his important work, and we congratulate him on his primary victory."

"Mazie Hirono has a long track record of helping people, as a state legislator, Deputy Attorney General, and Lt. Governor," said AAA-Fund Board member Bel Leong-Hong. "She is running for the seat of an Asian American icon, the late Rep. Patsy Mink, currently held by Representative Case, and has lived up to that standard with her advocacy for veterans, consumers, women, and all the people of Hawai'i. We are proud to support her, and will do all we can to help her prevail on November 7th."

The AAA-Fund 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.