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MOBILIZING FOR PETER KOUTOUJIAN THE RIGHT MOVE FOR ALL ARMENIANS
By Michelle Hagopian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/07/16/mobilizing-for-peter-koutoujian-the-right-move-for-all-armenians/
July 16, 2013
ANCA Desk
For those who don't know, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian,
a longtime advocate for and participant in the Armenian-American
community, is running for Rep. Ed Markey's now vacant House seat. He
announced his campaign run recently and the ANCA has endorsed him,
putting our full support behind one of our own.
Koutoujian Hagopian 225x300 Mobilizing for Peter Koutoujian the Right
Move for All Armenians Hagopian (L) with Koutoujian
This is huge. How many Armenians do you know of who have staged
legitimate runs for the U.S. Congress? I can think of less than
a handful. Peter is a strong voice for Armenian issues, including
genocide recognition, and he would advance our cause to the national
level if elected.
This week, Koutoujian came to the Hairenik Building in Watertown,
Mass., to be interviewed by the Armenian Weekly and to meet the
supporters from all of our sister organizations. The ANCA, ARS, ARF,
AYF, Homenetmen, and Hamazkayin were all there to show Peter we have
his back now and always. It was a great opportunity to chat with him
and hear where he stands as a candidate.
He describes himself as a moderate Democrat and someone who is willing
and able to work with anyone. Too often as voters, we get wrapped up
in ideology and labels. I've seen it in ANCA work-people will call
and tell me they can't vote for a Democrat or Republican, or ask why
the ANCA endorsed this person over this person.
When it comes to Armenian issues, party and affiliation should not
matter. If someone is willing to push for our views and values on
Capitol Hill and beyond, we should learn from them and embrace their
efforts. Because they will be the one speaking on your behalf at a
higher level.
That person right now is Peter Koutoujian. And he needs the support
of the Armenian community in Massachusetts and across the country.
Fundraising is crucial, no doubt, but turning out to vote is even
bigger. The 5th district of Massachusetts-the seat left open by Rep.
Markey-is densely populated with Armenians. It covers Watertown,
Belmont, Waltham, and Lexington, among other towns that hold the core
of our community.
If you don't know who Peter is by now, you've been living under a rock.
It's time to wake up and help out one of our own. Peter is a friend
to all and has strong values, a strong voice, and a chance to truly
elevate all Armenians in our nation's government.
The ANCA has endorsed him because he is very good on our issues, which
are obviously your issues too. Why should you vote for Peter? For all
of the reasons above and many more. He's an approachable, friendly
guy who thanks his supporters in Armenian and who has a long public
service track record.
If you're a business owner, why not invite Peter to come to your
business and take a photograph to post on your walls? If you show
you support him, you should encourage your friends and customers to
support him, too.
If you're a student or young person, why not get the word out
on college campuses or in your summer programs that there's an
up-and-coming Armenian candidate in this special election? The youth
play a huge role in not only registering voters but for mobilizing
as volunteers on the campaign trail, by phone banking, knocking on
doors, etc.
It doesn't matter what you can or can't offer. If you don't have a few
bucks to throw toward Peter's campaign, that's fine. What you can do
is vote for him in the fall. That's the most important factor. If
you want to get involved in his campaign or voice your support,
reach out to me at [email protected].
In the meantime, check out the ANCA's Facebook album titled "Peter
Koutoujian for Congress." You should also check out his official
website and "like" his page on Facebook.
Let's get Peter to Capitol Hill. Support a fellow Armenian today.
By Michelle Hagopian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/07/16/mobilizing-for-peter-koutoujian-the-right-move-for-all-armenians/
July 16, 2013
ANCA Desk
For those who don't know, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian,
a longtime advocate for and participant in the Armenian-American
community, is running for Rep. Ed Markey's now vacant House seat. He
announced his campaign run recently and the ANCA has endorsed him,
putting our full support behind one of our own.
Koutoujian Hagopian 225x300 Mobilizing for Peter Koutoujian the Right
Move for All Armenians Hagopian (L) with Koutoujian
This is huge. How many Armenians do you know of who have staged
legitimate runs for the U.S. Congress? I can think of less than
a handful. Peter is a strong voice for Armenian issues, including
genocide recognition, and he would advance our cause to the national
level if elected.
This week, Koutoujian came to the Hairenik Building in Watertown,
Mass., to be interviewed by the Armenian Weekly and to meet the
supporters from all of our sister organizations. The ANCA, ARS, ARF,
AYF, Homenetmen, and Hamazkayin were all there to show Peter we have
his back now and always. It was a great opportunity to chat with him
and hear where he stands as a candidate.
He describes himself as a moderate Democrat and someone who is willing
and able to work with anyone. Too often as voters, we get wrapped up
in ideology and labels. I've seen it in ANCA work-people will call
and tell me they can't vote for a Democrat or Republican, or ask why
the ANCA endorsed this person over this person.
When it comes to Armenian issues, party and affiliation should not
matter. If someone is willing to push for our views and values on
Capitol Hill and beyond, we should learn from them and embrace their
efforts. Because they will be the one speaking on your behalf at a
higher level.
That person right now is Peter Koutoujian. And he needs the support
of the Armenian community in Massachusetts and across the country.
Fundraising is crucial, no doubt, but turning out to vote is even
bigger. The 5th district of Massachusetts-the seat left open by Rep.
Markey-is densely populated with Armenians. It covers Watertown,
Belmont, Waltham, and Lexington, among other towns that hold the core
of our community.
If you don't know who Peter is by now, you've been living under a rock.
It's time to wake up and help out one of our own. Peter is a friend
to all and has strong values, a strong voice, and a chance to truly
elevate all Armenians in our nation's government.
The ANCA has endorsed him because he is very good on our issues, which
are obviously your issues too. Why should you vote for Peter? For all
of the reasons above and many more. He's an approachable, friendly
guy who thanks his supporters in Armenian and who has a long public
service track record.
If you're a business owner, why not invite Peter to come to your
business and take a photograph to post on your walls? If you show
you support him, you should encourage your friends and customers to
support him, too.
If you're a student or young person, why not get the word out
on college campuses or in your summer programs that there's an
up-and-coming Armenian candidate in this special election? The youth
play a huge role in not only registering voters but for mobilizing
as volunteers on the campaign trail, by phone banking, knocking on
doors, etc.
It doesn't matter what you can or can't offer. If you don't have a few
bucks to throw toward Peter's campaign, that's fine. What you can do
is vote for him in the fall. That's the most important factor. If
you want to get involved in his campaign or voice your support,
reach out to me at [email protected].
In the meantime, check out the ANCA's Facebook album titled "Peter
Koutoujian for Congress." You should also check out his official
website and "like" his page on Facebook.
Let's get Peter to Capitol Hill. Support a fellow Armenian today.