Number 58 | November 17, 2008
The Turkish Caucus in the US House of Representatives will begin the new legislative year with 71 members, down from its record number of 80.
However, only five of those Members lost in the November 4 elections, while four members did not seek re-election. Members of the Caucus who lost the election are: Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio/1st), Rep. Thelma D. Drake (R-Virginia/2nd ) Rep. Phil English (R-Pennsylvania/3rd ) Rep. Randy Kuhl (New York/29th ), Rep. Chris Shays (R-Connecticut/4th ). Members of the Caucus who did not seek re-election are: Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Alabama/5th), Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minnesota/3rd), Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado/6th), Rep. Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico/1st).
“We are very pleased that the co-chairs of the Turkish Caucus and the majority of its members have been re-elected and congratulate them on their election victories,” said Lincoln McCurdy, President of the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA). “TCA and the Turkish American community look forward to continue working with the Turkish Caucus and all members of Congress to enhance understanding about Turkish American issues and the importance of the US-Turkish strategic partnership,” McCurdy continued. “We want to take this opportunity to thank all of the former Members for their service to the nation, for their friendship and support of US-Turkey relations. The Turkish American community wishes them the very best for the future,” he added.
Turkish Americans have played an important role in strengthening the Congressional Turkish Caucus in recent years. The Turkish Caucus is a valuable platform where US-Turkish relations are discussed on a regular basis and serves as an important bridge to the Turkish Parliament’s corresponding Turkey-United States Friendship Group.
The Turkish Coalition of America congratulates all newly elected and re-elected members of Congress and wishes them the best of success.
