AAHOA Endorses Nikki Haley as Next SC Governor
JUNE 2, 2009 - The Board of Directors of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) unanimously approved the endorsement and financial support of South Carolina State Rep. Nimrata "Nikki" Haley (R-Lexington) in her bid to become the next Governor of the state. Rep. Haley is seeking the Republican nomination in the upcoming primary race. She joins a slate of other high-profile GOP candidates, including a variety of elected and state officials with widespread name recognition, who have announced or are expected to compete in the primary for the gubernatorial election.
As part of its efforts to endorse and support Rep. Haley, AAHOA will be donating the maximum amount of campaign contributions allowed under state law for a national association to a statewide candidate, and will be hosting a variety of Town Hall meetings and other fundraisers in South Carolina and the surrounding states at which AAHOA members can learn more about Rep. Haley and make campaign contributions to ensure her success.
In 2004, Rep. Haley was the first Republican Indian American to win a state house seat. She is recognized as a pro-business leader in the fight for lower taxes and less government, as well as an outspoken advocate for added accountability in the legislature. After Rep. Haley announced her decision to enter the race, the current S.C. Governor Mark Sanford released a statement praising her. "Nikki Haley is a true conservative and one of our state's leading voices for fiscal responsibility and government reform." "As the new Chairman of AAHOA for 2009, I am very pleased to announce our ardent endorsement of and financial support for Rep. Haley," said Tarun S. Patel, CHA. "This is one of the first major initiatives of the Board since I became the Chairman on April 25, 2009, and it shows our commitment to assisting the members with political issues at the statewide and local levels. Rep. Haley is a strong Indian American leader, and she shares many of the same views as AAHOA when it comes to standing up for small business owners and protecting their interests."
"AAHOA's relationship with Nikki Haley started when she was vying for the state representative seat in 2004," said Ashwin "Ash" Patel, 2008 Past Chairman of AAHOA. "As she is progressing in her political career, AAHOA wants to remain at the forefront of her top supporters. Rep. Haley will undoubtedly achieve many remarkable things in future years, and the AAHOA community will benefit from her experience and courage in tackling the tough issues." AAHOA S.C. Regional Director Suresh "Sam-Sarpanch" Patel agreed. "Rep. Haley's record speaks for itself. We urge all AAHOA members to get involved in this important campaign so that our voice is heard on the issues that directly impact our hotels, our community, and our great state of South Carolina."
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