Most of the Asian American incumbents and first-time candidates at the federal, state and local levels–and there’s quite a number of them, both in the area and nationwide –appear headed for victory in the Nov. 7 elections, and some who are in close races have a chance to win, supporters and trend watchers say.

Most of the Asian Americans running for office are Democrats. The Washington Post and other media citing poll surveys and interviews, as well as Democratic, independent and some Republican strategists, point to a political tsunami favoring Democrats. Reason: The triple whammy of the growing unpopularity of the Iraqi war, President George W. Bush’s low approval rating, and the scandal involving Mark Foley (R-FL), who abruptly resigned on Sept. 29 over inappropriate emails and Instant Messaging to male House pages.

But Karl Rove, senior adviser to President Bush and an expert on Republican voter turn-out, reportedly is optimistic of his party’s chances. And an American reporter commented on Oct. 14, “The Democrats are not going to win as much as they think they would.” Januario Azarcon, Filipino American Republicans of Virginia (FARV) president, expressed optimism US Sen. George Allen (R-VA) would prevail against Democratic newcomer James Webb, and added US Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) would also win.

In Maryland, Filipino American Kris Valderrama (D) who ran in the 26th District, already won the post previously held by her father, former State Delegate Dave Valderrama, after securing one of the three seats in the Sept. 12 primary.

Valderrama joins Asian American incumbents State Delegate Kumar Barve (D-MD) and State Delegate Susan Lee (D-MD) in the State Assembly. Both Indian American Barve and Chinese American Lee are expected to keep their seats.

But Valderrama, a young mother of two who ran on the ABCs theme “Advocating the Best for Children” and on working family issues, said Asian Americans should not take victory for granted. She stressed the importance of going to the polls on Election Day.

“My only appeal to constituents, whether you are an Asian Pacific Islander American, African American, etc...is to go out and VOTE,” she said. “It’s clear from our past primary election, that EVERY vote does count! There were many tight, hotly contested races. Everyone should realize how important their civic responsibility is–it’s a right that should never be taken for granted.”

Both US Congressman Bobby Cortez Scott (D-3rd district VA), who is of Philippine ancestry, and Indian American Bobby Jindal (R-1st LA), the only Republican in the US Congress, appear headed for another term. US Rep. US Rep. Mike Honda (D-15th CA) and US Rep. David Wu (D-1st Or), are also popular with their constituents. Successful Asian Americans were holding fundraisers for candidates. Bangladeshi Dr. Aquilur Rahman hosted one for Scott, said Dewita Soeharjono of Weichert Realtors. Joining them were Bruce B. Lee, Jinhee Wilde and Haipei Shu.

All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and a third of the 100-member Senate are at stake in the midterm elections. Democrats need 16 seats to retake the House, and six seats to retake the Senate. Three weeks before the elections, community leader Gloria T. Caoile said, “Right now, we’re only talking of the House– if we win in the Senate, it’s icing on the cake.”

Former Asian American Action Fund Executive Director and current board member Irene Bueno urged Asian Americans to go to the polls. She told Asian Fortune: “This year, we have an opportunity to elect new Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) to Governorship in Guam with Robert Underwood, and to US Congress with Tammy Duckworth of Ilinois and Mazie Hirano of Hawaii, and to the Maryland State House with Kris Valderrama, to name just a few of the many APAs running for office. These historic elections will empower the APA community at the Federal and state government.”

Duckworth (D), a double-amputee veteran of the Iraqi war, is in a toss-up race. But Bueno is optimistic she will win, because of her compelling story and her advocacy on education and other family issues. Duckworth has also gotten strong financial support from her party, US Sen. John Kerry (MA), US Rep. Honda, who’s also the chair of the Asian Pacific American Congressional Caucus, and from Asian American groups.

After a September primary scare, US Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) seems a cinch for the 110th Congress in January, said Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans based in the nation’s capital. “ Akaka won on the basis of the advantages of seniority, versus having a junior senator had Congressman Ed Case won in the primary.”