Contact: Jennifer Van der Heide
202-870-4789

Congressman Mike Honda endorses
Sen. Barack Obama

Washington, D.C. (June 8, 2008) – Congressman Mike Honda (Silicon Valley), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, released the following statement endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for President:

"I offer my deep gratitude to Senator Clinton for her dedication to our country, and applaud her for running an admirable and historic campaign. She is a true friend of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and a champion for America's working families. I thank her for all she has done with, and for, us.

Today, I join Senator Clinton in offering my enthusiastic and wholehearted endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President. Senator Obama is an extraordinary, mature and thoughtful leader, with a remarkable life story. His campaign has inspired unprecedented numbers of newly registered voters, led to record turnout across the country, and motivated millions of volunteers to participate in our great democracy.

For the AAPI community, Sen. Obama's nomination is historic in more than one way: As a native son of Hawaii, with Asian-American family members, and experience living abroad in Indonesia, Senator Obama knows that the compelling issues facing our communities – immigration, health care, education, small business, for instance – must be part of the national dialogue. He knows our nation's diversity is our strength and he will ensure all communities are visible and included in our nation's policy-making.

Sen. Obama will bring leadership on the most pressing issues facing our country: The education of our children, our economic competitiveness, building a green economy and bringing an end to the war. Of particular importance to me, as a former educator of 30 years, is Senator Obama's commitment to improving the quality of education. I have had the honor of working with Senator Obama to strengthen our educational system, and am confident in his dedication, knowledge and vision for addressing the critical needs of our schools. He also understands the transformative power of technology and innovation and that we need them to improve the lives of all Americans.

Senator Obama values the complexities of our nation's fabric, our diverse communities and our many histories. He has the power and vision to unite our nation with hope and offer solutions for America's challenges. Sen. Obama can count on my full and active support during this historic general election.

-MH-

Note: As a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, Congressman Honda was required by Democratic Party rules to remain neutral until today.