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Young Kim confident if 50-60% of registered Korean voters turn out

October 30, 2014
(Courtesy of Young Kim)

(Courtesy of Young Kim)

By Brian Han

California’s 65th District Assembly candidate Young Kim is in top gear for the upcoming Nov. 4 election.

“Right now for the next 6 days, what we’re focusing on is making sure to get every single voter that has shown support, to come out and make a difference at the polls,” Kim said.

With an established and rapidly growing Asian American population in Orange County, it’s been a top priority for the campaign to mobilize this particular demographic and show that their interests align with Kim’s campaign.

So far her staff and volunteers have all hands on deck and their efforts were reflected in June during the 2014 Open Primary elections in which 23 percent of the Asian population voted – a remarkably promising figure relative to the other demographics involved.

The turnout was a motivating factor to continue the success and the results fueled Kim’s ambition even further.

“There are about 10,000 registered Korean American voters and if just 50-60 percent of them come out on election day, I am more than confident with how the results will turn out,” Kim said.

The campaign is grassroots at its core and Kim is very much on the front line with her team, making thousands of phone calls and going door-to-door to show above all else, she’s a human being who cares deeply for her community.

“My staff and volunteers are my most valuable resource,” Kim said. “We couldn’t accomplish all these things without the boots on the ground, people inside the offices and consultants devising key strategies.”

65th District Assembly candidate Young Kim stands with members of her campaign team at their Buena Park headquarters. (Korea Times)

65th District Assembly candidate Young Kim stands with members of her campaign team at their Buena Park headquarters. (Korea Times)

Behind the smile, warmth and enthusiasm that Kim spreads around her Buena Park headquarters, there is a fierce competitor.

“I’m not appreciative of the public attacks I’ve received from my opposition, but sometimes that’s politics. I’ve been so nice, but I don’t have to be. Don’t mess with me,” she says with a laugh. “Seriously though, you’ve got to have fire in your belly, you’ve got to know what you’re talking about and you’ve got to know the community you’re about to represent to be the best candidate.”

Her drive to win the election is certainly warranted. After spending decades being involved in Orange County politics as an integral staffer to U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), it’s apparent that Kim has an emotional bond with the district and believes her experiences make her the ideal candidate to act in the best interest of its constituents.

“I’ve served the entirety of Orange County including the six cities I hope to represent,” Kim said. “I have a deep history of working with my community, community leaders and elected officials.”

If elected, Young Kim will be the first ever Korean American Republican woman to serve in a state legislature.

California’s 2014 general election will be held on Nov. 4.

One Comment

  1. Brian Nguyen

    October 30, 2014 at 11:47 PM

    “I’ve served the entirety of Orange County including the six cities I hope to represent,” Kim said.

    That is totally false. Young Kim spent her whole life in La Habra (not in the District) and only moved into the 65th District last year in order to run for office. She also opened a business in the district last year too. Public records prove both these points and therefore it’s not debatable.

    Reply