HASTERT’S FALL PAVES WAY FOR PELOSI SPEAKERSHIP
Public Radio. Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives yesterday
ended Speaker Hastert’s Congressional reign, opening the door to the
Speakership of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D- CA), a twenty year supporter of
Armenian American issues, including Armenian Genocide recognition,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Rep. Pelosi issued a statement last week pledging support for
Armenian Genocide legislation during the 110th Congress. With
the Senate majority too close to call, the victory of New Jersey
Senator Bob Menendez (D NJ), returns him to the Senate, where he has
distinguished himself by blocking the appointment of Armenian Genocide
denier Richard Hoagland as US Ambassador to Armenia.
"We are tremendously proud of the vital and energetic role that
Armenian Americans played this election season – a watershed transition
of Congressional power that holds great meaning for our community’s
legislative agenda," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "On
the House side, we certainly welcome the fall from power of Dennis
Hastert – who, as Speaker, prevented a bipartisan majority of his
colleagues from voting for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide –
and his expected replacement by Nancy Pelosi, who has a strong record
in support of Armenian American issues. On the Senate side, even as
we await the final outcome, we are very gratified by the victory in
New Jersey of Senator Bob Menendez – our top electoral priority this
election season. Inspired by his principled stand against the Hoagland
nomination, Armenian Americans throughout the Garden State – led by
the ANC of New Jersey – truly came through for the Menendez campaign,
delivering volunteers, campaign contributions, and, most importantly,
tens of thousands of votes in support of his electoral victory,"
added Hamparian.
ANCA endorsed candidates won overwhelmingly in the House, with 184 of
198 endorsed candidates securing decisive wins and three races still
too close to call. Of the 159 members of the Congressional Armenian
Caucus, 140 members won re-election, including Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).
Amongst those who lost their re-election bid was Armenian American
Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), who, with the support of ANC-NY,
battled in one of the tightest races in the country. Armenian American
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) won her reelection bid with 71%
of the vote.
In the Senate, 13 of 15 ANCA endorsed candidates won their election
bids. Winners included Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor
John Ensign (R- NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and House members
Ben Cardin and Sherrod Brown who won Senate seats in Maryland and
Ohio, respectively. Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum (R-PA),
lead cosponsor of the Caucasus Railroad Bypass bill, lost his
Senate reelection bid to Democrat Ed Casey. Perennial opponent of
Armenian American concerns, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd won
his re-election bid as well.