WASHINGTON, D.C. / February 2, 2007 — Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, U.S. Representatives Mazie Hirono (HI), Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Eni Faleomavaega (AS), and Texas State Representative Hubert Vo, all joined the AAA-Fund Honorary board this year.

"The new members to our honorary board will add not only their diversity and distinction to the AAA-Fund, but they will contribute their talents, their voices, and their vision to our efforts," said executive director Erika L. Moritsugu. "We look forward to working with each and every new member."

Norman Mineta most recently served as the longest-serving Transportation Secretary in history, was the first APA appointed to a cabinet-level position by President Clinton, and remained the only Democratic cabinet secretary in the Bush administration. As Congressman, he co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). His family members were detained in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. He was one of the AAA-Fund's original Honorary Board members.

Representative Mazie Hirono served as Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor, and was the first Asian immigrant woman elected to statewide office. She served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Antitrust Division, and also served for 14 years in the Hawaii State Legislature, where over 120 of her bills became law. She was born in Japan.

"The honorary board serves many functions, and one of them is to be a hub — or showcase — for the immense political talent we have," said former executive director Irene Bueno. "What makes our honorary board different is that members have a clear interest in advancing the political involvement of Asian Americans at all levels and often take a much more hands-on role in our organization."

Madeleine Bordallo became the first woman to represent Guam in Congress. She is a member of the Armed Services Committee and serves as Secretary of CAPAC. She also is a member of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus and the Korean Caucus.

Vietnam veteran Eni Faleomavaega first represented American Samoa in 1989. He is vice-chair of CAPAC, and serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs-Asia Subcommittee and the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

Texas State Representative Hubert Vo is the first person of Vietnamese heritage and currently the only Asian American to be elected to the Texas Legislature. In 2004, he unseated a long-time incumbent Republican by a handful of votes.

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.