Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
HASTERT’S FALL PAVES WAY FOR PELOSI SPEAKERSHIP
— ANCA Endorsed Candidates Win Big in Senate and House Elections
WASHINGTON, DC – 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 U.S. 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, with the Virginia Senate race featuring Sen. George Allen (R-
VA) and Democrat Jim Webb still too close to call. 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.