Feb. 25, 2009
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Leonie Campbell
202-296-2300 ext. 135
Cell: 202-492-4591
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2009
President Obama Picks Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke as Secretary of Commerce Nominee; AAJC Applauds Obama’s Commitment to Diversity
Washington, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama announced former Washington Gov. Gary Locke as his pick for Secretary of Commerce. Locke, who was the country's first Chinese American governor, served two terms in 1996 and 2000. Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, issued the following statement praising the selection.
“Former Gov. Gary Locke, who holds an indelible place in Asian American history, is an excellent choice to fill the post of Commerce Secretary. If confirmed, Locke would become the third Asian American in Obama's Cabinet, joining Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
Of particular importance to the Asian American community is the oversight the Commerce Secretary has over the decennial census. In the past, Asian and Pacific Islander communities have been consistently undercounted. With census 2010 right around the corner, we look forward to working with a Commerce Secretary who is committed to ensuring that all communities are accurately counted.
In addition, the Department has responsibility to help our economy to grow and to provide support to entrepreneurs such as those in Asian American communities. This is particularly important at this time of a struggling economy.
Born into an immigrant family, Locke has lived the American dream, and like our president, he is a great example not only to people of color but to all Americans. After spending his childhood in public housing, he graduated from Yale University and has given his life to public service. We applaud President Obama for selecting Locke to lead the Commerce Department.”
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