WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America has announced its endorsement of former Manchester, New Hampshire Mayor FrankGuinta for election to New Hampshire’s First Congressional District.

Guinta is challenging incumbent Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who has fallen far short of the expectations of New Hampshire’s Armenian American voters.

“We are encouraged by Frank Guinta’s strong stance on issues that pertain to Armenian Americans,” said Aram Jeknavorian of the Armenian National Committee of America’s Merrimack Valley chapter. “Frank Guinta offers us a real opportunity to not only remove Rep. Shea-Porter, who so vigorously opposes issues of special concern to our community, but also to elect someone in her place who will speak truthfully on human rights issues.”

In his response to the ANCA’s 2010 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire, Guintapledged to cosponsor the Armenian Genocide Resolution and oppose any kind of historical commission that might be established to question this crime against humanity. Additionally, Guinta supported Nagorno Karabagh’s right to its independence, backed placing conditions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, and committed to strengthening U.S. –Armenia economic relations.

In 2008 Rep. Shea-Porter received an “F” grade on her ANCA Congressional Report Card, largely for actively and publicly working to block the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Her 2010 grade is a “C” due to her indifference and inaction during the past two years on Armenian American issues. In addition to her stance on the issues, Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been non-responsive to outreach from her Armenian-American constituents.

The ANCA and the growing Armenian-American community in New Hampshire’s First District looks forward to help elect Frank Guinta, and to building a relationship with a member of Congress whose values reflect those in the District.

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