Author: Torgomian Varazdat

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENPAC, The Armenian-American Political Action Committee
421 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 201
Irving, Texas 75220
Contact: Jason P. Capizzi, Esq.
Tel: (972) 635-5347
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
ARMENPAC APPLAUDS CARDIN (D-MD) FOR JOINING THE CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS
ON AREMENIAN ISSUES
Irving, TX – ARMENPAC is pleased to announce that Representative
Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) recently joined the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, which is one of the largest in the United States
House of Representatives with 158 members. “We look forward to working
with Congressman Cardin and the entire Armenian Caucus to promote
Armenian-American issues and strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations,”
said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah.
Representative Benjamin Cardin hails from Maryland’s third
Congressional District. Mr. Cardin is a member of the Ways and Means
Committee, of which he is the ranking member of the Trade Subcommittee
and a member of the Human Resources Subcommittee. Mr.
Cardin is also the ranking member of the United States Helsinki
Commission, a United States Government Agency committed to ensuring the
political principles of “respect [for] human rights and fundamental
freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience religion or
belief, for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or
religion.” Additionally, Mr. Cardin is the chair of an international
committee of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly. “We are confident that Representative
Cardin will bring the same vigor and strength, which he exhibits in
support of his other causes, to the Armenian Caucus,” said ARMENPAC
Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian.
Representative Benjamin Cardin is a cosponsor of H.R.3661, the South
Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005, H.Res.316, the
Affirmation of the United States’ Record on the Armenian Genocide
resolution, and a signatory to the Armenian Caucus’ annual letter to
the President of the United States regarding the Armenian Genocide
in addition to the 2005 Armenian Caucus letter to the United States
Secretary of State regarding Turkey’s application for admission to
the European Union.
H.R.3661 seeks “to prohibit United States assistance to develop or
promote any rail connections or railway-related connections that
traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars,
Turkey, and that specifically exclude cities in Armenia.” H.R.3661
currently has eighty-three (83) cosponsors; its companion bill in
the United States Senate, S.2461, currently has three (3) cosponsors.
H.Res.316 urges the United States President to characterize the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 as “genocide” during his April 24th
commemorative speech and “to ensure that United States policy reflects
appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to
human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United
States record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of
the failure to realize a just resolution.” H.Res.316 currently has one
hundred fifty-eight (158) cosponsors; its companion bill in the United
States Senate, S.Res.320, currently has thirty-four (34) cosponsors.
Recently, ARMENPAC Co-Chair Annie Totah and ARMENPAC Executive
Director Jason Capizzi attended several events in support of
Representative Benjamin Cardin’s current campaign for the United
States Senate. Mr. Cardin is the frontrunner in the race for the seat
held by retiring Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD). Senator Sarbanes’ son,
John Sarbanes, Esq., is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for
Mr. Cardin’s seat in the House of Representatives. “Both Representative
Cardin and John Sarbanes are well informed of Armenian-American
issues, and will be strong advocates for our cause in each chamber
should they succeed in their respective campaigns,” said ARMENPAC
Executive Director Jason Capizzi.
ARMENPAC is an independent, bipartisan political action committee
with a nationwide membership. ARMENPAC raises awareness of,
and advocates for, policies that help create peace, security and
stability in the Caucasus region. ARMENPAC provides financial support
to federal officeholders, candidates, political action committees
and organizations that actively support issues of importance to
Armenian-Americans. For more information and how to join ARMENPAC,
please call (877) 286-1046 or visit
###

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base français
9 juin 2006
Micheline Calmy-Rey en Arménie Le CICR seule organisation
internationale au Nagorny Karabakh Encadré
Berne (ats) Le Comité international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR) est la
seule grande organisation internationale active au Nagorny Karabakh.
Présent sur le terrain depuis 1992, il encourage les autorités à
rechercher les personnes portées disparues suite au conflit et rend
visite aux détenus.
Durant les combats et la période qui a suivi le cessez-le-feu en
1994, de nombreuses organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) se sont
installées au Nagorny Karabakh, explique le Suisse Djordge Drndarsky,
chef de mission du CICR dans la capitale de la république
auto-proclamée: Stepanakert en arménien ou Khankendi en azéri.
Aujourd’hui, seule l’ONG Halo Trust, active dans le déminage, et des
organisations françaises et américaines liées à la diaspora
arménienne sont encore présentes dans ce territoire de 137 000
habitants. Le CICR, qui compte aussi une délégation à Erevan et une
autre à Bakou, n’entend pas quitter la région avant que le conflit
soit résolu.
Projets de la DDC
La Direction du développement et de la coopération (DDC) intervient
pour sa part en Azerbaïdjan et en Arménie dans le cadre d’un
programme régional commun avec le Secrétariat d’Etat à l’économie
(seco) pour le Caucase du Sud. En 2004, l’aide publique de la Suisse
s’est montée à 6,5 millions de francs pour l’Azerbaïdjan et à 3,8
millions pour l’Arménie.
En Azerbaïdjan, la DDC co-finance trois projets pour les personnes
déplacées ou réfugiées et fournit une aide humanitaire aux
populations vulnérables. Elle participe également à des programmes
visant à promouvoir les bonnes pratiques en matière de gouvernance et
de relations internationales.
En Arménie, la DDC soutient un programme du Haut Commissariat de
l’ONU pour les réfugiés (HCR) ainsi qu’un projet onusien de
nutrition. Elle participe à un projet du gouvernement visant à loger
des réfugiés. Enfin, conjointement avec une ONG arménienne, elle met
sur pied un centre médico-social et répare des habitations pour
personnes gées.

Eurosport, France
June 10 2006
Darchinyan arrives home, more confident than ever

Seconds Out – Seconds Out – 10/06/2006 11:31
By Paul Upham: IBF/IBO flyweight world champion Vic “Raging Bull”
Darchinyan arrived in Sydney on Thursday morning more confident than
ever about what lies ahead in his career. After starring in the lead
fight on what was left of the Corrales-Castillo III card in Las Vegas
last weekend, Darchinyan declared that he was not only ready to face
any of the other world title holders at flyweight, but any of those
in weight classes above him as well.
By Paul Upham: IBF/IBO flyweight world champion Vic “Raging Bull”
Darchinyan arrived in Sydney on Thursday morning more confident than
ever about what lies ahead in his career. After starring in the lead
fight on what was left of the Corrales-Castillo III card in Las Vegas
last weekend, Darchinyan declared that he was not only ready to face
any of the other world title holders at flyweight, but any of those
in weight classes above him as well.
“I can get better,” he said. “Every fight I am getting much stronger.
I told them in America that I have a big display wall at home and I
want twelve world title belts. I have been boxing for 22 years, but
for me it is like I am just starting. I just love it. Every
preparation, when I am getting ready for a fight, I love it like I
have just started. I am never tired. I know I can show more and more.
I can unify all the world title belts at flyweight and fight in
different weight divisions.”
The pure power of Darchinyan 26-0 (21) was evident when he stopped
Luis Maldonado 33-1-1 (25) by 8th round TKO at the Thomas & Mack
Center. The 28 year-old Mexican is a protégé of Erik Morales and had
never previously been defeated, let alone hit that hard before.
“Maldonado was tough,” he said. “He took a lot of punches but he was
still going forward. I was impressed with him, but I was very ready
for that fight. My conditioning from training and my fitness were
great. In my last fight against Diosdado Gabi, I only had three weeks
to prepare. This time I did a better job. My trainer Jeff Fenech did
a great job. My fitness was much better after eight or nine weeks
training. I was happy with the win. Maldonado was good. His record
showed that at 33-0 going into the fight. Showtime were very happy
with me. They liked my fight. They told me they would give me some
great fights in the USA.”
Fighting in Las Vegas for the first time, 30 year-old Darchinyan’s
exciting blend of speed and power leaves fans who see him for the
first time talking very highly about him.
“My promoter Gary Shaw and Showtime tell me that my style brings very
exciting fights,” he said. “People watch me and they want to see me
again. The Mexicans who saw me in Las Vegas liked my style. They came
to me after the fight in Caesars and told me how much they liked the
way I fight. Showtime told me that they were happy they didn’t cancel
my fight.
“Every fight I am improving. I can feel my power and my punch even
more. I was sparring in Phoenix with much bigger guys, 15 to 30lbs
heavier than me. In Los Angeles I sparred with Israel Vazquez
(current WBC junior featherweight champion) who is three weight
divisions heavier than me. I had some really good sparring with him.”
The southpaw once again called out popular 26 year-old Jorge Arce
44-3-1 (34) from Mexico for a showdown at 112lbs.
“Arce and his promoter Top Rank heard what I said,” Darchinyan said
bluntly. “He beat a friend of mine Hussein Hussein and I want to
fight him. But he is not a major goal for me. He doesn’t have any
world title belts. I want to fight world champions. But Arce beat a
friend of mine and I want to challenge him. I told the crowd that I
am the best at flyweight. If he thinks he is better, come fight me.
We will see who the best is. But I know I am the best. If he is
running from me he is not the best.”
The Armenia born Australian citizen Darchinyan, who is promoted by
Gary Shaw, will return to the USA either on the August 12 Hasim
Rahman vs. Oleg Maskaev card in Las Vegas or on the September 2
Showtime televised card where Diego Corrales is expected to return to
the ring. Undefeated WBO champion Omar Narvaez has been mentioned as
a possible opponent.
With a large Armenia population around Los Angeles, Darchinyan can
expect some enthusiastic support whenever he fights in the USA.
“There were around 1,500 Armenian fans who traveled from Los Angeles
for the fight with Maldonado,” he said. “There are 1.5 million
Armenian’s living in the USA, so there are great opportunities for me
to draw large crowds. Next time my promoter will do more advertising
for me to promote my fights to them. The new fans this time saw I was
from Armenia and I got a good crowd. Now that they have seen me
fight, next time it will be much bigger, 10,000 to 15,000 people.”
Paul Upham
Contributing Editor

Germany wins the opening match of the World Cup

ArmRadio.am
10.06.2006 12:33
World Cup 2006 started yesterday in Germany.
Miroslav Klose’s double and brilliant strikes from Philip Lahm and Torsten
Frings lit up the World Cup’s opening match as hosts Germany won in style.
Lahm’s stunning sixth-minute drive from distance put Germany ahead, but
Paulo Wanchope slid home to level.
Klose converted Bernt Schneider’s cross, then followed up his own header to
put the home team 3-1 ahead.
Wanchope produced a smart finish to give Costa Rica hope, but Frings’
sensational 30-yarder sealed victory.
It was the perfect start for Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose side
triumphed in the highest-scoring opening match in World Cup history.
The Costa Ricans were quick to demonstrate how generous they were to be at
the back – Danny Fonseca’s slip giving Lahm space to cut inside on the edge
of the box.

DEMOGRAPHIC INDICES FOR 2006
Lragir.am
09 June 06

In the months of January-May 2006 793 children were born in Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, which is down by 37 or 4.5 percent compared with
the same months in 2005. The death rate totaled 547 over the past
months of 2006, and is down by 39 or 6.7 percent, compared with the
same period in 2005. Hence, the natural growth of the population
totaled 246 over the past five months of 2006, and is up by 0.8
percent, compared with January-May 2005. Over the past months 309
people arrived in NKR and 212 people left. In this period 241
marriages were reported, increasing by 13 or 5.7 percent compared with
January-May 2005. The rate of divorce totaled 49 and is up by 4.3
percent.

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, June 9, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Armenian Community Condemns Anti-Armenian Attacks during California
Democratic Primary Election
Community Reaches New Milestone in Empowerment
GLENDALE, California–On Wednesday, June 7, the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA) organized a post-election
press conference with a broad cross-section of Armenian American
community organizations to recognize the new milestone in political
empowerment and address the anti-Armenian campaign attacks intended to
derail Paul Krekorian’s election as the democratic nominee for the
43rd California Assembly seat.
“This is a historic day in achieving a new level of political presence
in California for the Armenian community which is a symbol of our
increasing political and collective strength–this is something we
achieved together as a community,” said Zanku Armenian, Board Member
of the ANCA-WR. “It is our hope that this will usher in a new era of
unprecedented cooperation, bringing together all of our strength so
that we may lead the Armenian community to new levels of achievement.”
Community leadership representing organizations throughout the
southern California Armenian American community also uniformly
delivered a clear message by condemning the mailer and calling
campaign sponsored by the California Latino Leadership Fund but widely
believed to have been orchestrated by Frank Quintero’s campaign and
his political advisors. During the last several weeks of the campaign
Paul Krekorian, the ANCA and the Armenian community were characterized
as `terrorists’ or terrorist sympathizers. In addition, the Quintero
campaign, through several mail pieces, demonized the Armenian
community’s participation in the democratic process by making
allegations of wide-spread voter fraud.
“Unfortunately, during this campaign, ugly, anti-Armenian racist acts
were committed against Paul Krekorian, the ANC, and our community,’
said Armenian. `Together, we are standing before you today to say
that this is unacceptable, we are outraged and we will hold all those
individuals, organizations and institutions involved in this
accountable.”
During the press conference each of the Armenian American
organizations and Armenian American public officials pledged to stand
together to fight the racist attacks and to declare that those
responsible for these unethical and vicious attacks against the
community will be held fully accountable.
In closing the press conference, Armenian said “Let me close with this
symbolic statement: On June 6th we took our people’s ladle and dipped
it into the pot of ‘Herriseh’ to get our just share… and this time
our ladle was made of steel.”
Below are excerpts of statements delivered during the press
conference:
ARCHBISHOP MOUSHEGH MARDIROSSIAN
Prelate, Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
`Faith without toil is dead, and during this campaign we transformed
faith into work, and embodied faith to successfully carry-out that
which is kind and worthy. At times, this campaign departed the
acceptable norms for a competitive environment, resorting instead to
mudslinging in an attempt to shake our honor and unity, and to divide
us. But we, as law-abiding citizens did what we had to with clear
intent and knowledge. What has happened to us is unacceptable and
must be pursued to secure justice and accountability.’
ARCHBISHOP VATCHE HOVSEPIAN
Representing Prelate Hovan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of North America
`We, as Armenians, have a mission to carry-out in this community. We
are not intimidated by anyone because we are legal and long-time
citizens of this country. We are here today under one name. We are
Armenian and will not allow anyone to tamper with our pride.’
REVERAND JOE MATOSSIAN
Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
`There is no doubt that we are shaken by these hurtful announcements
against us… when attempts to divide us are thrown our way, we will
make them fail with our commitment to stand as one. We are an
outstanding nationality, God-fearing and one. We will fight for
justice.’
FR. ANTON SAROYAN
Armenian Catholic Exarchate of North America
`We are amazed that the guarantee to the right of freedom of
expression in the Unites States is manipulated by certain individuals
in an attempt to gain political victory, with excuses that are based
solely on deceit and selfishness.
We urge all Armenians to stand in support of all our national, social
and religious organizations and institutions, specifically the
Armenian National Committee, which work with dedication, sacrifice and
persistence to protect our just rights and national identity.’
RAFI MANOUKIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`There are acceptable norms to conducting campaigns, but Paul
Krekorian’s opponents not only crossed the line, but dared to do the
unthinkable by attacking his wife, family, and nationality. In an
attempt to inject fear into the community, they even accused Armenians
of being `terrorists.’
Believe me, this matter is not over; now comes the matter of
accountability, which we will demand from all those who created this
environment.’
BOB YOUSEFIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`This victory is for what is honorable, what is right. The people
unanimously rejected horrible accusations by a candidate, and rejected
Quintero’s attempt to divide and conquer. We were tested, but sent a
message that we are together and it did not work.’
ARA NAJARIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`June 6th brought heights of elation for me, but also a deep
wound… The attack was not just on Paul but also on the ANC, and was
totally baseless. Imagine attacking the work of the ANC which is to
educate children; to educate and get justice for the Armenian
Genocide. This is a continuation of the genocide, where the victim is
demonized one more time; it’s reprehensible.
And I pledge never to forget; I will fight like I’ve never fought
before. Look who we have gathered here. We are united and one force.’
LEONARD MANOUKIAN
Chairman Armenian National Committee-Political Action Committee
`The ANC-PAC selected Paul Krekorian not because he is Armenian but
because he is the right man. He proved himself; his popularity grew,
and when his opponents discerned this, they resorted to tactics that
are an abomination, and disrespectful to the community.
The ANC-PAC appealed to the community, the Armenian electorate to
stand up – not for the organization but for what is right – to bring
participation to the political arena, and they did.
We now have a community that is well-aware of their ability, energy
and talent, whereas before they only saw the mere potential of its
strength.’
Organziations and representatives at press conference:
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America; representing Primate Hovan
Derderian, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of North America; Joe Matossian Minister to the
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; representing Fr. Anton
Saroyan Armenian Catholic Exarchate of North America, Antoine
Karamalian; Glendale City Council Members Rafi Manoukian, Ara
Najarian, Bob Yousefian; Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice President of
Glendale Community College Board of Trustees; Angela Savoyan,
Chairwoman ARS Western Region Board; Hrair Sherikian, Hamazkayin
Western Region Chairman; Parsegh Kartalian representing AGBU; Nora
Khatchadourian, Armenian Society of Los Angeles; Vahig Zadourian,
Davidian & Mariamian Educational Foundation; Sari Shirinian, AYF; Vahe
Shahinian, ANC Burbank; Khatchik Khalatian, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter;
Zanku Armenian and Steve Artinian, ANCA Western Region Board
representatives;
Leonard Manoukian, ANC-PAC; Alina Azizian, Glendale ANC.

SERGE SARGSYAN, “AZERBAIJAN MISSES ITS CHANCE”
A1+
[08:33 pm] 07 June, 2006
During the opening of the monument to Tigran Petrosyan RA Defense
Minister Serge Sargsyan referred to the results of the Bucharest
meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, “I have not been
present at the negotiations but the President of the country has
informed me about them. In my opinion the Azeris are missing their
chance of settling the conflict peacefully”.
The Defense Minister also informed that there is no tension on the
frontier and voiced hope that no war will be launched.

AMBASSADOR OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA HANDED CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN
ArmRadio.am
08.06.2006 13:47
The newly appointed Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the
Republic of Armenia Enver Khalilovich (seat in Moscow) handed his
credentials to President Robert Kocharyan.
The President congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and whished
success in carrying out his high mission.
Noting that the relations between Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
are at the initial stage of development, the parties attached
importance to establishment of a legal field, which is of primary
importance for development of cooperation.
The Ambassador presented the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
noting that the country has overcome some very serious trials. He
turned to regional developments as well.

Glendale News Press
June 7, 2006
Calls, letter bring anger
*Frank Quintero campaign says it has nothing to do with campaign mailing.
By Fred Ortega, News-Press and Leader
GLENDALE — A campaign mailing and phone calls linking Assembly
candidate Paul Krekorian and the Armenian National Committee to a
terrorism suspect convicted of weapons charges has many community
leaders outraged and some crying racism.
The calls and mailers, sent out by the Oakland-based California Latino
Leadership Fund, were delivered to thousands of Glendale and Burbank
area voters in the days leading up to Tuesday’s primary. The mailers
feature a mug shot of Mourad Topalian, a former Armenian National
Committee chairman who pleaded guilty for possession of stolen
explosives and two machine guns in Ohio in 2000, according to FBI
records.
The postcard-sized campaign piece also states that Krekorian accepted
the Armenian National Committee’s endorsement in his run for the State
Assembly and helped get “[Armenian National Committee] books and
literature into libraries for schoolchildren.”
“It is very sad whenever any campaign is tainted with tactics that
appeal to hatred and bigotry,” Krekorian said. “I think people care
about what matters to all Californians, which is improving education,
providing healthcare to everyone and protecting the environment — not
personal attacks and character assassination.”
The Armenian National Committee “books and literature” cited in the
mailer were actually 1,000 books in Armenian and English about
Armenian culture and history that were donated to the Burbank Library
system at the request of library officials to expand their
international section, he said, adding that the Burbank City Council
honored his wife Tamar Krekorian and the committee for their efforts
in securing the books.
The sinister undertone of the mailings contrast sharply with the true
spirit of the Armenian National Committee, said Zanku Armenian, board
member of the committee’s Western Region based in Glendale.
Topalian, who the FBI suspect was a leader of the Justice Commandos of
the Armenian Genocide, resigned his post after the charges surfaced,
Armenian said.
“We live in a country in which you are innocent until proven guilty,”
Armenian said, adding that Topalian was never convicted of terrorism
charges, only weapons possession. “At the time he was chairman and
started having these troubles, he resigned so he could deal with his
personal issues without dragging down the [Armenian National
Committee]. These matters have nothing to do with the organization,
which has a mission to represent and give voice to the Armenian
American community within the American political system.”
Armenian further suggested that Krekorian’s opponent for the
democratic nomination, City Councilman Frank Quintero, and outgoing
43rd Assembly District Rep. Dario Frommer, who has endorsed Quintero,
were somehow connected to the mailers.
“We had been hearing rumblings coming from Sacramento that Quintero
and Frommer had a ‘killer issue’ that would swing the race and we were
hoping our information was wrong, but it is now our firm belief that
Quintero knew all about it,” he said. “We believe that they were
firmly behind the scenes and this sort of dirty campaign tactics are
the last gasp of breath of a failing candidate at the end of his
political career.”
Under state law it would be illegal for Quintero’s campaign to
coordinate with a separate entity on an independent expenditure such
as the mailers in question. The California Latino Leadership Fund
spent more than $18,000 in independent expenditures opposing
Krekorian, and more than $30,000 on similar expenditures to support
Quintero, according to campaign finance records from the Secretary of
State’s office.
Both Frommer and Quintero denied any knowledge or involvement with the
Latino Leadership Fund or its activities, and each sent letters to
fund officials expressing the disapproval of the mailer.
“I am disgusted that this organization, which by law has no
affiliation with my campaign, has sent out such a hurtful message,”
Quintero said in a statement. “The mailer does not reflect anything
that I believe in or stand for.”
California Latino Leadership Fund officials did not return calls
seeking comment.
The group has received funding from tribal gaming groups, Pacific Gas
and Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Inc., and Cendant Corp., among
others.
The mailings and phone campaign have done much to damage the
relationship between Glendale’s Armenian and Latino communities,
Glendale Unified School District Board member Mary Boger said.
“The city and school district have worked closely together to create
harmony in our community,” said Boger, who received the controversial
phone calls at her home. “Whomsoever is responsible for this hate mail
and hate speech has undermined years of work and has no right to seek
a leadership position.”
Glendale Community College Trustee Victor King, Glendale Democratic
Club President Laurie Collins and Glendale Historical Commission
Chairwoman Deborah Dentler also released a statement condemning the
phone calls and mailings.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. Councilman Eric Garcetti,
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff and Quintero all denounced the attacks.
* FRED ORTEGA covers City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or
by e-mail at [email protected].

The Daily Breeze
June 7, 2006
dailybreeze.com
Brown gets attorney general nod; Bowen wins secretary of state spot
By Michael Gardner
Copley News Service
SACRAMENTO — Former Gov. Jerry Brown’s ongoing political
metamorphosis enters a new stage today, this time as the Democrats’
choice for attorney general.
Known more for his colorful and controversial eight years as governor
than for his latest job as mayor of Oakland, Brown held a commanding
lead over Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo.
South Bay Sen. Debra Bowen won the her race for secretary of state
with 61 percent of the vote.
Republican Claude Parrish, a member of the Board of Equalization from
Rancho Palos Verdes, won the battle for treasurer. Another current tax
board member, Democrat John Chiang of Torrance, beat his primary rival
for state Controller.
Two highly contentious Board of Equalization campaigns featured
Assemblyman Jerome Horton, D-Inglewood, in one race and local GOP
activist Michelle Steel of Palos Verdes in another campaign.
Horton lost to Assemblywoman Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, on the
Democratic side for the 4th District seat, by a significant margin.
In the 3rd District, Steel defeated her rival, Assemblyman Ray Haynes,
R-Murrietta, in the GOP primary.
Between now and November, Brown will certainly face controversies from
his past — his appointment of Rose Bird as California Supreme Court
chief justice, the medfly crisis and his ill-fated plunge into
presidential politics.
All that and more will be fodder for Chuck Poochigian, who ran
unopposed for the Republican nomination. Nevertheless, the
little-known state senator from Fresno has the challenge of taking
down a California political legend.
“He obviously has a level of celebrity that presents a challenge,”
said Poochigian. “At the same time, he has a long record. The more the
public knows about that record, the better off I am and the people
are.”
Brown immediately returned fire.
“I have the cops on my side,” he said. Brown has planned a campaign
swing for today joined by police in San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno and
Sacramento.