Washington briefing: Ohio commission reprimands David Krikorian

by Emil Sanamyan

Published: Friday October 09, 2009

An Armenian-American seeking the Democratic Party's nomination in Ohio's 2nd congressional district could not prove that the Turkish government directly funded the Republican incumbent's election campaign, while making statements to that effect, the Ohio Electoral Commission determined October 1, reprimanding the challenger, The Associated Press reported.

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R.-Ohio) filed a complaint against David Krikorian over statements he had made last year, when he ran a strong independent campaign challenging Ms. Schmidt. Money from Turkish-American groups accounted for a good part of her donations.

Mr. Krikorian sought to show that the groups received support directly or indirectly from the Turkish government. But the commission faulted Mr. Krikorian for making claims without evidence that there was direct financial infusion from the Turkish government to Ms. Schmidt.

In an interview with the Armenian Reporter, Mr. Krikorian argued, "what the commission needs to determine is if I willfully made false statements.

"And I strongly feel that I did no such thing. I strongly believe that the Turkish government is behind those contributions and it is my right to feel that way and it is my right to say so."

Mr. Krikorian was reportedly considering whether to appeal.