Joseph Cao

Anh "Joseph" Quang Cao (Gow) (born March 13, 1967 in then-Saigon, Vietnam) is a Republican U.S Representative from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, representing almost all of the city of New Orleans and some of it's suburbs. Cao escaped to America with two of his siblings after his father was imprisoned by Communists at a Vie-Cong concentration camp. He was reunited with his family years later. Cao came to New Orleans in 1992 and went on to earn a Master's degree in philosophy from New York's Fordham University. He then spent a career in the legal practice, and organized legal advice to civic groups following Hurricane Katrina.

In December 2008, Cao defeated nine-term incumbent Congressman William J. Jefferson, who had been indicted on corruption charges after the FBI found $90,000 in his home freezer, part of an alleged $400,000 in bribery money. Cao's victory was considered all the more significant, in that he is a Republican Congressman representing one of the most heavly Democratic districts in the county. Additionally, he is the first Vietnamese American to serve in Congress. House Minority Leader John Boehner said that "the future is Cao."

Congressman Cao currently serves on the Homeland Security Committee, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He is also a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Cao voted against the 2009 economic stimulus package and against the cap and trade climate legislation. Given the political culture in Louisiana 2nd district, he will likely be a top target from Democrats in 2010.

External links

• House website
• On the Issues