Support our friends from California in the House

Published: Saturday October 18, 2008

The Armenian Reporter and USAPAC endorse candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives from California. (See the print version of this editorial in pdf form.).

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Almost all of the members of California's congressional delegation are responsive to Armenian-American concerns. Several members of Congress from California have taken a leadership role in addressing issues that matter strongly to Armenian-American voters.

This is not surprising. Representing a state that is home to the largest concentration of Armenian-Americans, they have many opportunities to meet Armenian-Americans and become familiar with their concerns. In fact, two members of the California delegation, Anna Eshoo and Jackie Speier, are themselves Armenian-American. Many California members of Congress have Armenian-Americans on their staff. And, of course, they seek the votes, the campaign contributions, and the volunteer help of California-Armenians.

While the responsiveness of the California delegation is not surprising, it should not be taken for granted. Our community has become increasingly involved - and assertive - in the political process, and Armenian-Americans have taken years to cultivate relationships with elected officials.

The Armenian Reporter and the U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) jointly urge Armenian-Americans to support our friends in the California delegation. In two cases, we urge Armenian-Americans to oppose members who have opposed or withdrawn their support of House Resolution 106, which affirms the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.

In our endorsements, as always we have given special consideration to members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Affairs. We have considered candidates' interest in and support of Armenian-American issues, including co-sponsorship and support of H. Res. 106. We have also noted where members signed a letter to the secretary of state, urging her to condemn Azerbaijan's threats of war against Armenia and Karabakh. (See the print version of this editorial in pdf form.)

√1. Mike Thompson, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

×2. Oppose Wally Herger. Mr. Herger became a co-sponsor of H. Res. 106 on July 18, 2007, and withdrew his co-sponsorship on October 15.

√3. Dan Lungren. Though not a member of the Armenian Caucus, Mr. Lungren co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

4. No endorsement. We thank retiring Representative John Doolittle for his support.

√5. Doris Matsui, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√6. Lynn Woolsey, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she voted for H. Res. 106 in committee.

√7. George Miller, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√8. Support Nancy Pelosi

Ms. Pelosi is a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs and co-sponsored H. Res. 106. As Speaker of the House, Ms. Pelosi has been a true friend of the Armenian-American community. For her strong support of the Genocide resolution a year ago, she endured harsh criticism from the many establishment figures who had agreed to be mouthpieces of the Turkish lobby. We are particularly grateful to her.

√9. Barbara Lee, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√10. Ellen Tauscher, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√11. Gerald McNerney. Though not a member of the Armenian Caucus, Mr. McNerney co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√12. Support Jackie Speier

An Armenian-American who was elected earlier this year to complete the term of the late Rep. Tom Lantos, Ms. Speier is a strong advocate of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community. Her position is consistent with the leadership role she took as a member of the California Senate and, earlier, of the California State Assembly. Ms. Speier is a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs and co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√13. Pete Stark, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√14. Support Anna Eshoo

An Armenian-American, Ms. Eshoo has long been a strong advocate of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community. Ms. Eshoo is a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs and co-sponsored H. Res. 106. She signed a letter to Secretary Rice about Azerbaijani threats.

√15. Michael Honda, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106. He signed a letter to Secretary Rice about Azerbaijani threats.

√16. Zoe Lofgren, a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Affairs, co-sponsored H. Res. 106.

√17. Sam Farr. Though not a member of the Armenian Caucus, Mr. Farr co-sponsored H. Res. 106.