Cites Senator Kerry’s Long Record of Support on Armenian American Issues–President Bush’s Retreat from his Pledge to Recognize the Armenian Genocide
WASHINGTON–DC–In a move expected to impact electoral outcomes in key presidential election swing states this November–the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)–the nation’s grassroots Armenian American organization–today announced its endorsement of the Kerry-Edwards ticket.
"For Armenian Americans–the clear choice is John Kerry," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "Senator Kerry has been a friend of the Armenian American community for over twenty years–with a proven track record of fighting hard for issues of concern to Armenian Americans across the nation. He faces an incumbent–President Bush–whose record on Armenian issues has grown progressively more disappointing throughout his tenure in the White House–beginning with his broken campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide–including his Administration’s attempt to end military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan–and up until this week–with his Administration’s strident attacks on legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide."
John Kerry welcomed the ANCA endorsement–stating that–"John Edwards and I would like to thank the ANCA for its endorsement. We are looking forward to working with all Armenian Americans to create a stronger America–more respected in the world. ANCA largest grassroots organization"
"We call on Armenian Americans to compare the respective records of Senator Kerry and President Bush–to weigh the importance of their ballot for the future of US-Armenian relations–and to cast their vote for the Kerry-Edwards ticket on November 2nd," added Hachikian.
The ANCA endorsement follows closely in the wake of the Bush Administration’s forceful attack on the Schiff Amendment–a provision adopted last week by the US House that prevents Turkey from using US foreign aid to lobby against the Genocide Resolution. Armenian Americans–particularly those in key swing states such as Pennsylvania–Ohio–and Florida–are positioned to play a decisive role in what looks–by all accounts–to be a hotly contested election.