LOS ANGELES–The Armenian National Committee ‘s Western Region has learned that California State Assemblymember Laura Richardson (D-55), Democratic Party Candidate for the 37th Congressional District of California, has agreed to cosponsor the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H. Res. 106) if elected to Congress. Richardson is currently vying to represent the 37th District in a Special Election.
“If elected to Congress, I will be proud to add my name to the long and distinguished list of H. Res. 106 cosponsors,” said Richardson. “We need to formally recognize this unfortunate chapter of history, so as to prevent any future genocides and promote regional stability,” she added.
Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, a strong supporter of issues of concern to Armenian Americans and a cosponsor of H. Res. 106, represented the 37th Congressional District of California until her passing on April 22. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, acting under California law, then announced a special election date to fill the vacant seat. Richardson succeeded in the June 26, 2007 primary, besting California State Senator Jenny Oropeza. Because no candidate received 50 percent of the vote, the Special Election will continue to a run-off on August 21, 2007. The other candidates facing Richardson are John M. Kanaley (R), Herb Peters (L), and Daniel Brezenoff (G).
On July 2, the Armenian National Committee of South Bay (South Bay ANC) sent Richardson a letter congratulating Richardson on her primary victory and expressing confidence that Richardson would carry on the great work of her predecessor. The South Bay ANC also expressed its hope that its strong tradition of maintaining close ties between the local active Armenian American community and elected officials would continue. Particularly, the South Bay ANC requested that Richardson cosponsor H. Res. 106 upon her election to Congress.
“Our community in the 37th district is deeply appreciative that we have yet another friend in Los Angeles County,” stated South Bay ANC representative Chris Yemenidjian. “With the Assemblymember’s agreement to cosponsor ‘s that would mean that every Member of Congress from Los Angeles County now cosponsors H. Res. 106,” he added.
Richardson began her legislative career in 2000 on the Long Beach City Council. She also joined the staff of Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante in 2001 and served as his Southern California Director for 5 years. In 2006, Richardson was elected to represent the 55th State Assembly District, which includes the cities of Carson, Harbor City, Lakewood, Long Beach and Wilmington.
Richardson has continued to demonstrate significant leadership by initiating and supporting legislative and administrative actions that enhance vitality and livability for those she serves. She has garnered the respect of her peers and others because of diligence and thoroughness. Richardson is not afraid to stand alone on issues that impact the disenfranchised. But in doing so, she has always ensured that her positions focus on the values of fairness and integrity.
Assemblymember Richardson earned her Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1984. In 1987, she joined Xerox Corporation where she gained significant business experience in a Fortune 40 company. Richardson received her Masters Degree in Business Administration in 1996 from the University of Southern California. She considers her studies abroad in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai as critical learning experiences.
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.
