LETTER FROM U.S.A.

Indian-Americans at the 2008 Democratic Convention    

Denver, CO.  More Indian-Americans attended this year's convention than any other major political convention.  The US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) left its mark on the Democratic Convention with a record number of members attending the event. 

"The many USINPAC members at the Democratic National Convention are just one example of the community's rapid political maturity," said Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA-15), Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. 

USINPAC members met with many prominent leaders of the Democratic Party including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-8), Senate Majority Whip and Obama confidant Dick Durbin (D-IL), Democratic Party Vice Chair Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA-15), Arizona Governor Grace Napolitano, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY-2), Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH-1), Congressman Chet Edwards (D-NY-17) who was on Obama's shortlist of running mates, Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA-7), Ethel Kennedy (the wife of late Senator Robert Kennedy), Robert Kennedy Jr., and New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley.  

USINPAC also met with Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen and Pakistani Ambassador Husain Haqqani.  

USINPAC members were on the floor of the convention during the major speeches and attended official events like Senator Hillary Clinton's reception for delegates, the Democratic National Convention Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Caucus meeting, Youth Caucus meeting, and Faith Caucus meeting.

 "The success of the community, USINPAC and the Caucus can be seen by so many Indian-Americans attending the Convention," said Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), Member of the House Commerce Committee and the Congressional India Caucus.  "The work of USINPAC and other Indian-American organizations has been essential in creating awareness on a national level for the important issues that affect the community."

"The community, through groups like USINPAC, has become a strong force in Democratic politics and policy making," said Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), one of the leading voices for the Indian American community.   "I commend my friends for their active participation and contributions to the American democratic process.  The Indian-American community continues to grow in its political sophistication, and that is evident during this year's election cycle."

"As an Indian-American born and raised in the US, I am honored to be here promoting my candidacy and, once in office, I will promote policies important to our community," said Tony Patel, an Indian-American candidate for the Georgia State Legislature.  "The success of USINPAC can be seen by so many of us at the convention; we are here as delegates, candidates and community leaders from all over the USA."

 "This is an historic moment for the Democratic Party and America, and I am very pleased that USINPAC is providing special coverage and a unique perspective of the convention for the Indian-American community, and has so many members attending the convention," said Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA-7), Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus.  "India is one of America's most important allies and it is vitally important that USINPAC continues to provide information and context both at home and in India."

Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), one of the leading voices for the Indian-American community, said "The community, through groups like USINPAC, has become a strong force in Democratic politics and policy making. I commend my friends for their active participation and contributions to the American democratic process.  The Indian-American community continues to grow in its political sophistication, and that is evident during this year's election cycle."

"USINPAC has attended every day of the Democratic Convention and plans on attending every day of the Republican Convention as well," said Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC.  "We will continue to make sure that both political parties understand the issues important to the 2.5 million Indian- Americans across the country."

About USINPAC

The US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is the political voice of 2.5 million Indian-Americans.  USINPAC provides bipartisan support to candidates for federal, state and local office who support the issues that are important to the Indian-American community.  For more information, go to http://www.usinpac.com/.