The tension mounts as the nation awaits their new president. Which presidential candidate gets more Asian American support? Which candidate is more favorable for Asian American issues?

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) has introduced the Access to Employment and English Language Acquisition Act–legislation which would help job seekers with limited English language skills. "I am thrilled to have the support of so many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and in particular, leaders like Doris Matsui," said Senator Clinton in a press release. "We're not taking any vote for granted, and I want the AAPI community to know that I hope to earn their vote. Together, we can rededicate our efforts to creating better opportunities and brighter futures for all Americans."

She has numerous Asian American supporters–Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI).

But on February 23, reporters from Chinese-American news media such as the World Journal and the Sing Tao Daily were denied access to the fundraising luncheon that was held for Clinton, on grounds that the event was not open to “foreign press.”

Later, Howard Wolfson, spokesperson for the Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee, apologized to the World Journal, saying that this was a “learning experience” and that they would make sure to include the Chinese American press in the future.

“Certainly you are not the foreign press,” Wolfson told them, according to the World Journal.

Senator Barack Obama (D-ILL), the other leading Democratic candidate promises to build a framework for East Asian and American cooperation and to increase H1-B Visas and cites his multicultural background as indication that he will support all the cultures in America. His half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, is of Asian descent.

However, Obama has had his run-in with Asian American voters as well. Last June, the Obama campaign poked fun of Bill Clinton’s ties with India by releasing a document off record that sported a headline of “Hillary Clinton (D-Punjab)’s personal financial and political ties to India.”

Obama has apologized saying that “it was stupid… not only didn't it reflect my view of the complicated issue of outsourcing ... it also didn't reflect the fact that I have longstanding support and friendships within the Indian-American community.”

Republican front-runner John McCain (R-AZ) promised in 2000 that if he ever became president, he would “absolutely and unequivocally” (Asian Week) name an Asian American to his cabinet. He has garnered the support of California assemblyman Van Tran and has a 15-year old adopted daughter from Bangladesh.

In an interview earlier in the campaign, McCain had said, “I hate the gooks, and I will always hate them,” referring to his torturers in Vietnam but using a term that is historically a slur against Asian Americans.

In the Northeast, support for Clinton and McCain are strong. But in other parts of America, the support for Clinton and Obama are split evenly, just like the general voting population in America.

What is troubling is how little any of these candidates appeal to Asian American voters. There has been a lot of speculation by political candidates about courting other minority voters–the black voters in South Carolina, the Hispanics in Texas and others. But there has rarely been any talk about courting Asian American votes.

Let’s change this in this year’s election. Let’s actively campaign for a candidate –and make our political presence known. Let’s vote and buttonhole our candidates about Asian American issues. Let’s make Asian Americans a powerful voting bloc and a voice to be heard in the shaping of American society.

Comments? Email Jenny at jenchen.91@gmail.com