Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
January 6, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
NEW TERM, NEW OPPORTUNITIES: ANCA WELCOMES 111TH CONGRESS
— Staff and Activists Reconnect with Old Friends and Reach Out to
Congressional Freshmen at Swearing-In Ceremony
WASHINGTON, DC – As Armenians around the world celebrated Christmas
today, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) staff and
activists spread good cheer on Capitol Hill, participating in the
Congressional swearing-in ceremony kicking off the 111th Congress.
"With a new Congress beginning its legislative session, it was a
great day to be on Capitol Hill, to reconnect with seasoned
supporters and to meet with Members of the freshman class," said
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "In the upcoming weeks, we
look forward to expanding on these meetings here in Washington, DC
and around the country as we pursue a proactive agenda in 2009."
ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian, Legislative
Team Member Garo Manjikian and activists from California, Rhode
Island, Michigan, Nevada and New Jersey spoke with a range of
Senators and Representatives on the upcoming legislative agenda –
focusing on Armenian Genocide reaffirmation efforts, self-
determination for Nagorno Karabagh and efforts to strengthen the
U.S.-Armenia relationship.
In all, the ANCA team met with elected officials and staff from
over 25 Congressional offices including Assistant Senate Majority
Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Jim Webb
(D-VA), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), as
well as House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and
Mark Kirk (R-IL) and a range of freshman Representatives including
Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and
Paul Tonko (D-NY).
In total, 94% of ANCA endorsed candidates were elected to the 111th
Congress, with 201 of 211 securing decisive wins in the November
2008 elections. Among those winning in tight House races, with
Armenian American support, were Armenian Genocide Resolution
supporters Mike McCaul (R-TX), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Gabrielle Giffords
(D-AZ), Tim Walz (D-MD) and Florida Representatives Lincoln Diaz
Balart (R-FL), Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL) and Ron Klein (D-FL).
Armenian American Congresswomen Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA) won their reelection bids overwhelming with 70% and 75%
respectively. ANC OH chairman Dave Krikorian (OH-2) garnered an
impressive 18% in his independent Congressional bid, laying a solid
foundation for future electoral campaigns.
In the Senate, 12 of 15 ANCA endorsed candidates won their election
bids, including Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Richard
Durbin (D-IL), John Kerry (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Frank
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D-MI) as well as Mark Udall (D-CO)
and Tom Udall (D-NM), who moved from the House to the Senate.
To view the ANCA report cards from the previous Congress, visit:
tion_reportcards.php
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