{"id":13458,"date":"2017-09-27T14:22:19","date_gmt":"2017-09-27T14:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ancnews.info\/?p=13458"},"modified":"2017-09-27T14:22:19","modified_gmt":"2017-09-27T14:22:19","slug":"anca-wr-endorses-dr-kathie-allen-in-upcoming-special-congressional-election-in-utah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ancnews.info\/?p=13458","title":{"rendered":"ANCA-WR Endorses Dr. Kathie Allen in Upcoming Special Congressional Election in Utah"},"content":{"rendered":"

Salt Lake City, Utah \u2013 Earlier today, the Armenian National Committee of America \u2013 Western Region<\/a> (ANCA-WR) announced its endorsement of Dr. Kathie Allen for United States Congress. The endorsement comes in the course of Utah\u2019s 3rd district\u2019s special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz who officially resigned from his seat in May. Dr. Allen will face Republican John Curtis and a collection of third-party candidates in the general election on November 7, 2017.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ANCA-Western Region is proud to endorse the candidacy of Dr. Kathie Allen for US Congress. As a dedicated Armenian-American and granddaughter of Genocide survivors who cares deeply about issues important to all of us, we are confident that Dr. Kathie will continue to serve as a strong advocate for our Cause in the halls of government,\u201d stated ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am grateful and honored to receive ANCA\u2019s endorsement and look forward to working with them during my campaign and when in Congress on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community,\u201d stated Allen. \u201cIt is crucial that Turkey and the US formally recognize the Armenian genocide, and I will push for that in Congress along with improving bilateral relations between Armenia and the US. I also believe that Artsakh is entitled to self-determination and that de-mining efforts must continue to make this region safe. My grandparents fled Turkey in 1905 to begin a new life in the United States, and these are all important and personal foreign policy issues for me,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

The organization\u2019s decision came after a thorough endorsement process and meeting this past Saturday when Dr. Allen was visiting Los Angeles, and is based on her deep roots and understanding of issues important to the Armenian-American community. In addition to the proper recognition and resolution of the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh\u2019s right for self-determination and independence, discussion topics during the meeting included health care, President Trump\u2019s immigration ban, and education, among others.<\/p>\n

Several Armenian-Americans have also already agreed to support Dr. Kathie Allen by hosting meet-and-greet fundraisers. The first is planned for October 12, 2017, at Cedars of Lebanon Restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Raffi and Marlene Daghlian<\/a>, while the second is planned for October 15 in Glendale, CA by Mr. Mike Sarian<\/a>. Individuals interested in attending these events or donating to Dr. Allen\u2019s campaign may contact Elen Asatryan of The Stark Group at 818.672.6260 or email elen@thestarkgroup.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a family doctor, Dr. Kathie Allen spent thirty years caring for her patients\u2014analyzing their symptoms, diagnosing their problems, and helping them get well. With health care as her top campaign priority, she wants to do the same thing for Utah\u2019s 3rd Congressional District.<\/p>\n

Just two days ago, her opponent was caught sponsoring inflammatory, anti-immigrant ads on facebook, which encouraged his supporters to sign petitions to \u201cbuild the wall\u201d and end sanctuary cities. His subsequent \u201cexplanation\u201d made it clear that he will be another rubber stamp in Congress for the Trump agenda. Dr. Allen, in contrast, supports compassionate immigration policy that allows families to stay together. She is a passionate supporter of DACA and the Dreamers. She has said previously, \u201cImmigrants are the bedrock of our nation. Dreamers are the topsoil.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Allen\u2019s main opponent, Provo Mayor John Curtis, is currently polling 20 points below the previous Republican to run for this seat. Additionally, third party candidate Jim Bennett, son of popular former US Senator Bob Bennett, has qualified to participate in the Utah Debate Commission\u2019s official debate on October 18th. He is poised to further erode John Curtis\u2019s vote share.<\/p>\n

Dr. Allen won the Democratic Party\u2019s nomination with 77 percent of the convention vote. Unlike her opponent, she did not face primary challengers. Additionally, she has raised more money for than any Democratic candidate in the history of this Congressional seat. She has currently secured the endorsement of 314 Action, a group dedicated to supporting candidates with scientific backgrounds, as well as numerous individuals both within her district and across the country, with more expected to come soon.<\/p>\n