— Urge Armenian Americans to Use the Power of Their Vote

Glendale, CA – Earlier today, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA WR) announced their list of endorsements in the 19 states west of the Mississippi for the June 3, 2014, Primary elections, throwing the electoral power of the Armenian American community behind local, state, and federal candidates who have stood strong on issues of importance to Armenian Americans.

“We are pleased to help empower Armenian Americans to cast informed votes this election cycle by sharing our endorsements for upcoming Primary Elections for Congressional candidates from the Western United States,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.  “These endorsements are the result of our review of the legislative record and consultations with regional leaders, local chapters, and community activists.”

“The ANCA WR stands strong behind our select list of candidates endorsed for California Offices and joins the ANCA in their steadfast support of candidates endorsed on the federal level,” stated ANCA WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “We urge Armenian Americans to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election on June 3^rd and lend their voice to the candidates who have been staunch advocates of the Armenian Cause,” continued Asatryan.

The ANCA federal level endorsements are based primarily on ANCA Congressional Report Cards, a detailed review of each incumbent’s record across a broad range of Armenian American issues. These Report Cards, prepared in consultation with regional leaders and 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’s independence, and increasing U.S. aid and trade levels.

Among the specific grading criteria were each Member’s willingness to advance pro-Armenian American legislative initiatives (resolutions, letters, etc.), including co-sponsoring the Armenian Genocide Resolution, the Return of the Churches Resolution and pro-Armenian provisions of the foreign aid bill, as well as their support for Nagorno Karabakh. Other factors include their membership in the Armenian Caucus, attendance at events, and their support for other issues important to Armenian Americans.

The ANCA’s list of Federal level endorsements for the Western Region of the United States includes:

Raul Girjalva (D – AZ3, Tuscon)

Tony Cardenas (D – CA29, Arleta, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Van Nuys)

Judy Chu (D – CA27, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, Monterey Park, Pasadena)

Jim Costa (D – CA16, Fresno, Merced)

Jeff Denham (R – CA10, Modesto, Tracy, Turlock)

Anna Eshoo (D – CA18, Los Gatos, Palo Alto)

Janice Hahn (D – CA44, Compton, San Pedro, South Gate)

Michael Honda (D – CA17, Cupertino, Fremont, San Jose)

Doug LaMalfa (R – CA1, Auburn, Oroville, Redding, Richville)

Barbara Lee (D – CA13, Berkeley, Oakland)

Zoe Lofgren (D – CA19, San Jose)

Alan Lowenthal (D – CA47, Long Beach)

Grace Napolitano (D – CA32, Azusa, El Monte, LaVerne, Monrovia, West Covina)

Devin Nunes (R – CA22, Clovis, Tulare, Visalia)

Edward Royce (R – CA39, Brea, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights)

Linda Sanchez (D – CA38, Cerritos, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Whittier)

Loretta Sanchez (D – CA46, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana)

Adam Schiff (D – CA28, Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood)

Brad Sherman (D – CA30, Canoga Park, Encino, Northridge, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills)

Jackie Speier (D – CA14, San Francisco, San Mateo)

David Valadao (R – CA21, Bakersfield, Fresno, Hanford)

Edwin Perlmutter (D – CO7, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster)

Dina Titus (D – NV1, Las Vegas)

The ANCA WR, which had not traditionally made endorsements in Primary Elections, makes exceptions for select candidates who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on issues of importance to the Armenian American community.  The basis for exceptions include leading, co-authoring, or co-sponsoring of resolutions and bills recognizing the Armenian Genocide, supporting the independence of Nagorno Karabagh, mandating Armenian Genocide Education Curriculum in public schools, as well as recognizing the efforts of the Near East Relief and the American people during the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

The ANCA WR’s list of endorsements for CA State and County offices includes:

CA Statewide

John Perez (D) for CA State Controller

John Chiang (D) for CA State Treasurer

California State Senate

Kevin De Leon (D – SEN22, Chinatown, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Little Armenia)

Robert Hertzberg (D – SEN18, Pacoima, Sylmar, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley, Van Nuys)

Tony Mendoza (D – SEN32, Downey, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera)

California State Assembly

Katcho Achadjian (R – ASM35, San Luis Obispo)

Cheryl Brown (D – ASM47, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernando)

Ian Calderon (D – ASM57, Hacienda Heights, La Mirada, Whittier)

Matt Dababneh (D – ASM4, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Encino, Northridge, Reseda, Woodland Hills)

Steve Fox (D – ASM36, Lancaster, Palmdale)

Mike Gatto (D – ASM43, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Hollywood, Los Feliz)

Chris Holden (D – ASM41, Pasadena, San Dimas)

Adrin Nazarian (D – ASM46, Hollywood Hills, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys)

Kristen Olsen (R – ASM12, Stockton, Tracy)

Scott Wilk (R – ASM38, Santa Clara)

Los Angeles County

Jeffrey Prang for LA County Assesor

Previously, ANCA WR’s Glendale Chapter endorsed candidate Vartan Gharpetian for Glendale City Council as well as Proposition G, both on the primary ballot for residents of Glendale, CA.

The 2014 Primary Elections will take place on June 3, 2014.  In order to vote, you must be registered.  The ANCA WR urges community members who are U.S. citizens and over the age of 18 not yet registered to vote, to register by the May 19, 2014. For additional information, contact ANCA WR at 818.500.1918, info@ancawr.org, or visit www.ancawr.org.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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