WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee Of America (ANCA) today congratulated President Bush on his election victory, thanked Senator Kerry for a hard fought election campaign, and praised the Armenian American community for an unprecedented level of activism in this season’s electoral contests.

“Throughout the course of this highly competitive election season, George W. Bush fought to advance his ideals, John Kerry fought for what he believes in, and so did we – out there are the front lines of American politics, fighting hard for the values and interests of the Armenian American community,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “As a result of our unprecedented electoral involvement, we have emerged from this contest having earned the respect of both parties, and of political insiders across the spectrum, as a vibrant, extremely well organized, and highly motivated electoral constituency at the presidential election level.”

Commenting on the outcome of the election, Hachikian noted that, “While, of course, having endorsed Senator Kerry, we would have liked to see a different outcome, we understand that for our community the fundamental truth for Armenian Americans remains that the key to this election – like all elections – is to understand that our future rests in our hands. Sometimes the candidates we support will win, other times they won’t. But we – the ANCA – will always be out there – on the front lines, working with all sides to advance our issues across the American political landscape.” He closed by noting that, “If Armenian history has taught us anything, it is that – we may not win every battle, but the sure way to lose every one is to sit on the sidelines.”