In recent years, as the voting rate in Chinatown and Chinese participation in politics increase, more and more politicians see the importance of Chinatown. Last week, Rick Lazio, a Republican candidate for governor, set up an office on East Broadway in New York. He also organized a fundraising dinner next month. Tony Avella and other Democratic candidates for state seats also plan to set up campaign offices in Chinatown.

Peter F. Vallone Sr., who served as the Speaker of New York Council, went with his assistants to meet Ming-Sing Chao, a representative from the Ling Sing Association. When Chao asked Vallone the reason for his visit, Vallone smiled but didn't reply. Vallone later said he just wanted to see some old friends. Many insiders believe that they were there to talk about campaigns.

Yesterday, Chao helped Lazio set up a fundraising dinner at a restaurant. This year, Avella will run for state senate in Queens, and he has asked many Chinese community organizations for endorsement.

According to Chao, helping Lazio to organize a fundraising dinner and meeting with Avella do not mean that the Ling Sing Association would endorse these two candidates. In fact, Ling Sing Association also turned Avella down. As for Lazio, the association still needs to wait and observe in order to compare him to other candidates who might be more popular in the Chinese community.

Chao pointed that Lazio, among the candidates, was the first one to decide to open a campaign office in Chinatown, recognizing the importance of Chinese voters. However, to understanding how their politics and views affect the Chinese community, it is still too early to tell. In addition, Chao also said he won't endorse a candidate based on party affiliation, but based on their policies affecting the Chinese community. As long as their views and policies benefit the Chinese community, they would be welcomed.

According to Lazio's campaign office in Chinatown, the office is located next to Chatham Square. The renovation is still not done. The office will organize campaign activities in Chinatown, Flushing, and Brooklyn's Sunset Park.