U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa January 12, 2016. (Photo courtesy of MARK KAUZLARICH / Reuters)
A group of Indian-Americans from New York and New Jersey has formed a political action committee—or PAC—in support of Donald Trump’s presidential bid. The group, named, “Indian-Americans for Trump 2016,” registered with the Federal Election Commission officially on Jan. 21, and hopes to garner steam throughout the Indian American community to support its cause.
“On realizing that the agenda of Donald J Trump for President 2016 is focused on reviving the American economy, rightly bringing America on the world stage, defeating terrorism and establishing peace through strength, many Indian-Americans believe that he is the best hope for America and the right candidate to be the next president,” the PAC said in a statement.
A.D. Amar, photo courtesy of Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University business professor A.D. Amar serves as the committees president—Amar, a one-time Congressional candidate, was at one point a supporter of Trump’s current GOP rival, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Amar said he has been surprised at how many Indian-Americans, who were once Democrats, are supporting Trump is his White House aspirations.
During the 2008 and 2012 elections, more than 80 percent of eligible Indian-American voters supported Obama. But a small section of wealthier Indian-Americans have gravitated towards the Republican Party in recent years.
“I was surprised at the strength Trump had among the Indian professionals and Indian community,” he said. “I have never seen Indians so united behind a candidate.”
Amar further opined that Trump’s stance on illegal immigration and his economic policies as key factors in the PAC’s endorsement of his candidacy. Ironically, Amar said the group’s primary draw came from the fact of Trump repeatedly broadcasting he will not accept donations from any PACs or special-interest groups.
“Trump is going to keep the lobbies out, and he is going to focus on the
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on stage during a Town Hall. (Jan. 28, 2016 – Source: Scott Eisen/Getty Images North America)
general population,” Amar said.
As mentioned previously, Amar ran for the Republican nomination in 2008 to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson in New Jersey’s 7th congressional District. Amar lost in the primary to Leonard Lance, who ultimately filled the seat in Washington. His son has political aspirations as well—Harp Amar worked for Christie’s 2009 gubernatorial campaign and was a member of Christie’s transition team at the beginning of his first term.
“Our election process is kind of a revolution,” Amar said. “In a revolution, these kind of statements are not unexpected. In my observation, he is going to be a different person once he’s nominated.”
New York-based attorney Anand Ahuja will serve as the committees vice president, and Devendra “Dave” Makkar as treasurer, according to a press release from the organization. Sudhir Parikh, who was honored in 2010 with the award of Padma Shri, will chair the fundraising and advisory committee. The press release also extends an invitation to any and all of whom wish to support Trump’s campaign:
“The officers of the Indian-Americans for Trump 2016 urge all Americans to join in the effort and support Donald Trump in his endeavor to make America great again by electing him the next President of the USA.
