With just two weeks to go before the most hotly contested Congressional election in more than a decade, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today released its 2006 endorsements, throwing the political and electoral strength of the Armenian American community behind supportive candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives from forty U.S. States. “We are pleased to offer our Congressional endorsements as a resource to help Armenian American voters make informed decisions at the ballot box on November 7th,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “With so many races being closely contested, we encourage all Armenian Americans to go to the polls and support each of our friends, starting in New Jersey with Senator Bob Menendez – ANCA’s top electoral priority for 2006.” To the acclaim of Armenian Americans from the Garden State and throughout the nation, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), last month, placed a hold on the confirmation of Richard Hoagland, the President’s highly controversial nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, due to his statements denying the Armenian Genocide. The ANC of New Jersey has mobilized volunteers, donors, and voters across the state to support the Senator’s campaign.
The ANCA supports 16 Senate candidates and 196 those for the House of Representatives. The ANCA endorsements are based primarily on the ANCA Congressional Report Card, a detailed review of each incumbent’s record across a broad range of Armenian American issues. These Report Cards, prepared in consultation with local ANCA chapters across the country, cover issues ranging from securing a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide and the strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations to defending Nagorno Karabakh independence and increasing U.S. aid and trade levels. The ANCA also supports Senators Edward Kennedy from Massachusetts and Hillary Clinton from New York, as well as Representative Nancy Pelosi, who may become Speaker of the House, reports the Yerkir.
