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Washington–Like he’s a rock star. That’s how some 300 Asian American leaders treated the popular U.S. Commerce Secretary–and Ambassador-Designate to China–Gary Locke at the send-off reception for him and his wife Mona on July 11 in this capital.

Mixed emotions filled the air. By turns warm, witty and eloquent, speaker after speaker told the gracious and humble trailblazer: “We’re both happy and sad to see you go, but we’re very proud of you–and when you come back from China, we’ll be here for you and Mona as you climb the ladder of success.”

In his remarks, Locke repeated his mantra for Asian Americans to aspire for elective or appointive office: “It matters who is seated at the table, making policy.” He also stressed, “Whether Democrats or Republicans, you really have to focus on what’s best for America.”

The event was held at the Jones Day office. The Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) was the host.

All agreed Secretary Locke will have a smooth sailing when he’s up for Senate confirmation. “Given his qualifications, it will be no problem,” Floyd Mori later noted. Mori recently stepped down as National Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League.

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu called Locke a trailblazer: first Chinese American to become commerce secretary, first Asian American governor of mainland U.S. (Washington State). White House Secretary to the Cabinet Chris Liu said Locke was his role model. Other speakers were Mori; new APIAVote Co-Chair Toby Chaudhuri; Daphne Kwok, chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders; and APIAVote Executive Director Christine Chen.

Former APIAVote Executive Director Vida Benavides regaled the audience with anecdotes, and praised Locke’s “vision and dedication.” She also spoke on behalf of former Commerce and Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, co-founder with Locke of the American Opportunity Fund.

Daphne Kwok “roasted” Locke about being his lucky charm when she went over his resume, and he landed at Commerce. But she was serious when she offered to review his resume “next time, when you decide to run” for the highest office in the government. Locke, born in the U.S.A., is qualified to be president.

Locke extended an invitation “to come and visit us (in China),” and joked to give them ample notice so they can send a shopping list of American goodies. Both Locke and his wife Mona, a former journalist, thanked the community. Mona urged all to continue “to make a difference.”