SACRAMENTO, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America — Western Region (ANCA-WR) traveled to Sacramento to attend the California Republican Party’s (CRP) spring convention that took place from February 9-11. ANCA-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian led a group of local ANC leadership and ANCA-WR interns to the state capitol where they were joined by the National Organization of Republican Armenians (NORA) in hosting an exhibition table at the convention.

“The ANCA-WR continues to place a strong emphasis on reaching out to party members and leadership to ensure that they are aware of the issues that are important to California Armenian Americans – and we work to highlight the positive contributions to the community made by Californians of Armenian descent,” noted Hovsepian. The ANCA-WR participated in the previous convention which was hosted in Los Angeles last August.

Sacramento ANC Chairman, Hovannes Boghossian and NORA representative, Jack Hadjinian joined the ANCA-WR team which included interns Andre Arzoo, Hovhannes Harutyunyan, and Chris Yemenidjian. The group met with California Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner and former State Senator Tom McClintock. The group also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with former State Senator Chuck Poochigian as well as former New York City Mayor and Presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani.

“As Armenian Americans, it is important for us to be here this weekend. There are many Republican Armenians and it is important for their interests and concerns to be represented here,” remarked Hadjinian. “Officials such as Giuliani and Poochigian have been good friends of the Armenian American community and this convention helps us maintain these relationships as well as strengthen those with individuals such as Poizner and McClintock.”

The convention also featured the election of new state party leadership. Yemenidjian, who had the opportunity to speak with newly elected CRP Chairman, Ron Nehring, appreciated the insight into the internal party dynamics.

“I knew participating in the internship program would give me the chance to see the political process from the inside, but this weekend exceeded my expectations,” said Yemenidjian. “I had a great time meeting officials and other politically active students while learning about the Republican Party environment in which our issues are advocated.”

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

Photo Caption: The ANCA-WR exhibition table at the Sacramento Convention Center. (top; left to right) Andre Arzoo, Chris Yemenidjian, and Hovhannes Harutyunyan (bottom; left to right) Jack Hadjinian and Haig Hovsepian