WALTHAM, Mass. (A.W.)—Voters residing in Massachusetts’ Fifth District are going to the polls today for the Democratic primary of the special elections to fill Senator Edward J. Markey’s seat in the US House of Representatives. Armenian American activists also hit the streets canvassing for Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s campaign. They spoke with potential voters about the issues Koutoujian stands for, encouraging them to go to the polls.
Belmont resident and ANC activist Heather Krafian, who went canvassing for Koutoujian’s campaign this morning, said she knocked on over 100 doors today to urge people to go to the polls and hopefully vote for Koutoujian. “The majority of people were not in, since it’s a workday. I probably talked to a dozen or so people—they were all positive, and mostly supportive of Peter,” said Krafian. She viewed Koutoujian as a “voice for reason,” who could be an effective negotiator and spokesperson for Massachusetts residents in Washington.
As an Armenian American, Krafian believes it is critical for Koutoujian to get into Congress. “We have the Genocide Commemoration coming up, and there’s no better person to get into Congress. We need to have someone from our community to speak on our behalf, as well as the survivors,” she said, adding that she felt many others in her circle of friends seemed similarly inspired by Koutoujian. “People are voting and getting their friends out. It’s promising that people have become so proactive,” she said.
Many others seemed similarly enthused and motivated to help Koutoujian’s campaign. Steve Mesrobian, an ANCA national board member who was also volunteering on election day, said it was important to have an Armenian in Congress advocating for the issues the community cares about. “We need more Armenians in Congress to advocate for our issues. We have many friends in Congress, but Peter, as a natural supporter of our issues, would be a great person to lead the effort,” he said.
Like others, Barbara Baljian has devoted her time at the Koutoujian campaign’s Watertown office—located at the AGBU Center. Today was her third day participating in the phone-bank. “He’s an Armenian, and we want to have an Armenian in Congress,” she smiled. “I’ve done many campaigns in my younger days, and now I’m doing it again. I call people and say, ‘Today’s election day and Peter Koutoujian would appreciate your vote.’ If they are older folks, I give them the number for the polls, and ask them if they need rides,” she said.
Koutoujian is facing Six other Democrats in this primary. They include State Senator Katherine Clark of Melrose, State Senator Karen Spilka of Ashland, State Senator Will Brownsberger of Belmont, State Representative Carl M. Sciortino Jr. of Medford, Arlington resident Martin Long, and Paul John Maisano of Stoneham. All of the candidates describe themselves as “progressive.” Since this will be a special election, the candidate who is able to move more voters and get them to the polls will win the primary.
Former Watertown town Councilman and ANC Eastern Region activist Dikran Kaligian, who has known Koutoujian since their teenaged years, has also been canvassing for the campaign, and has been doing so on election day. “He’s been a great supporter of the Armenian community. He has given to us, and now it is time we give back to him,” he said.
The Koutoujian campaign has also mobilized volunteers who have not had an exceptionally politically active background, but who have come to know Koutoujian through community events. Fashion designer Samuel Vartan is one such person. He met Koutoujian through the Knights of Vartan. He, like Baljian, made phonecalls from the Koutoujian campaign’s office in Watertown. “I’m not that political until I see someone worth my time and effort. The only way I can describe Peter is, ‘He’s you and I.’ He’s very approachable and fighting for all our causes, whether it’s politically locally or our legacy as Armenians. He has the same values as me as a husband, a father, and a political leader. People seem to connect with him—young or old,” he said, adding, “I believe this is our golden moment, and he is our golden boy. We need to get him into office.”
Koutoujian has said his Armenian heritage and his experience as a descendent of Armenian Genocide survivors informs certain positions on issues. For
instance, during a televised debate between the Democratic contenders, Koutoujian was asked whether he would have supported military intervention in Syria. “I’m the grandchild of Armenian genocide survivors and everything in my being wanted to go there and protect those people because I know what happened to my people,” said the Sheriff. “But when I really considered it in line with the lack of support of the larger international community and the failure of a long-term vision, not just for entrance, but for exit with regard to Syria, really made me realize … that we can’t go in there.” He also added that in case of Genocide, he would absolutely vote for an intervention.
“Knocking on doors, talking to Peter’s neighbors, and urging folks to go to the polls these last few days here in Massachusetts really highlights the importance of every single vote,” said the ANCA’s Raffi Karakashian, who has taken time off to volunteer for the campaign. “So, with just hours left until the ballots close, I want to make one last personal call for each and every friend of Armenia in the 5th Congressional District to get out to the polls now in support of Peter Koutoujian!”
Nanore Barsoumian
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