Kasich Snubs Influencial Asian American Group, Loses Endorsement to Strickland

Governor Ted Strickland today received the endorsement of the four chapters of the 80-20 Initiative in his race against Congressman and former Lehman Bros. Managing Director John Kasich.

The group is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Americans through a swing-bloc vote, ideally directing 80% of the Asian-American community's votes and money to candidates endorsed by 80-20. (Hence, the name "80-20" was created.) Ohio has four 80-20 chapters covering the state.

Strickland was given the endorsement after quickly responding with affirmative, written responses to the organization's questionnaire. Kasich, through a spokesperson, refused to answer the same questionnaire.

From the 80-20 Initiative:

Northwest Ohio Chapter President Dr. Y.T. Lee said, “Because Mr. Kasich refused to respond to the questions that Governor Strickland quickly answered favorably about the candidates’ dedication to equal opportunity, Governor Strickland is clearly more dedicated to equal justice and opportunity for Asian Americans. So we support Mr. Ted Strickland and will encourage thousands of Asian-American voters in Ohio to support him.”

Added Northeast Ohio Chapter President Anthony Yen, “We are disappointed that Mr. Kasich refused to respond whether he will seek equal justice and equal opportunity for Asian-Americans. In 2010, these should not have been difficult questions for candidates to say ‘yes’. Kasich’s refusal to answer at all is quite disturbing. 80-20 will encourage Asian-Americans to donate monies, time, or other resources and cast votes for Governor Strickland.”

So, what were the questions Kasich refused to answer?

1. If you are elected/re-elected to be the Ohio governor this year, will you promote and ensure equal opportunities and equal justice for Asian Americans, and protect Asian-American rights (including fighting against discrimination or racism against Asian Americans in Ohio)?

2. If elected/re-elected, will you solicit and consider for appointment qualified Asian Americans to boards of trustees for Ohio public universities and institutions of higher education, and report back to 80-20 and other Ohio Asian-American organizations, at the end of each year you serve in office, your progress with such appointments?

3. If elected/re-elected, will you make it a top priority of your administration to break down barriers and hire, promote, and/or appoint more qualified Asian Americans for state government employment and political appointments?

4. If elected/re-elected, will you ensure fair and open contract opportunities for Asian-American businesses?

5. If elected/re-elected, will you make it a top priority of your administration to hire and/or promote qualified Asian-American employees to executive and senior administrative or senior-managerial levels, thus breaking the glass ceiling for such Americans?