Hoffman Estates, IL- Over 200 supporters for the incumbent of the 8th Congressional District in Illinois gathered at a presumed victory party on what came to be a very exciting election night reported the Armenian National Committee, Eastern Region.

With heavy opposition from Republican candidate David McSweeney, Representative Melissa Bean (D-IL) won the election after McSweeney conceded from the race. Thanking her supporters at the victory party, Bean promised to continue working to voice the opinions and concerns for her constituents.

Present at the Melissa Bean victory party was ANC Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian. Birazian, who currently resides in New Jersey, was in Chicago working on public education and activism projects were among the ANC volunteers dedicating time at the Bean headquarters. Meeting with Bean’s Legislative Assistant Nathan Fenstermacher during prior trips to Washington, DC, she has worked with the members ANC of Illinois to create a growing relationship within Representative Bean’s office.

“We are hoping to work more closely with Congresswoman Bean as she enters her second term in Congress. We look forward to seeing her take a more active approach on legislation pertaining to the Armenian cause.”

The ANC of Illinois met with Congresswoman Bean during her race in 2004 after her positive response to the ANCA questionnaire. Running against 35 year Republican incumbent Phil Crane, who had a poor record on Armenian issues, Bean defeated him and took over the seat. Both years, with ANCA support and endorsement, members from the Armenian community in Illinois has encouraged the Armenian community to vote for Bean as well as support her campaign.

Bean, being of Serbian descent, is working to connect with the Armenian community and focus on key concerns facing Armenians today.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 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.