Democrats vow to bag Asian votes

The Asian vote may turn crucial for both Kerry and incumbent George W. Bush in what is likely to be a tight race although foreign policy on the region has not been a central feature of the presidential campaign.

The Democrats are sending the biggest Asian American delegation to their national convention in Boston, which kicked off Monday that would officially nominate Kerry as the party's candidate in the November polls.

This year's 211 participants from the Asia-Pacific American community represents nearly four percent of total delegates, up from three percent at the 2000 convention, party officials said.

The Asia-Pacific Americans make up 40 percent of minority delegates at the convention.