Greek Americans to host
U. S. House and Senate Leaders in New York


The 2010 campaign season kicks off in full swing this September as the Greek and Cypriot communities host the leaders of United States Congress in a series of receptions and dinners in Manhattan. The Greek American community has made great strides in recent years and has become known as a force in national politics.

According to entrepreneur and political activist John Catsimatides,”the Community has finally come together as a cohesive political force in the United States. Our community and our Church has so many issues the Congress can help us with, such as the safety and well being of our Ecumenical Patriarch or the unification of Cyprus. These dinners and receptions give us the opportunity to talk with these leaders on a personal level.” It’s also a question of abiding to tradition when it comes to Hellenes: “Greeks invented Democracy, we should have a big hand in seeing that it succeeds,” said Catsimatides. “These gatherings are Democracy in action."

First on the calendar is the Majority Leader of the United States Senate Harry Reid of Nevada. He began his political career in the 70’s when at the age of 30, he was elected the youngest Lt. Governor in the history of Nevada. After two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Reid was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986. Now in his 4th term, he was elected Senate Majority Leader in 2005.

At this time, given the near veto proof majority of Senate Democrats, Senator Reid bears a tremendous responsibility for the direction of the Country, plus he is up for election in 2010. He will be hosted September 13, 2009, 6-8PM, at Persephone Restaurant, Manhattan.

Next on agenda is a favorite son of the Greek American Community, Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Tampa, Florida. Gus’ father, Mike Bilirakis, served in the Congress for 24 years during which time he became the leading advocate for veterans of the military services, and like his father, Gus has taken up the cause for veteran rights since he succeeded his father in 2006.

Congressman Bilirakis serves on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. Known on Capitol Hill as a consensus builder and a common sense Congressman, Gus has earned a reputation as a member who can draft and move legislation through the maze of the House of Representatives. He will hosted September 17, 2009, 5:30PM–7:30PM, at the Friars Club, Manhattan New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is the community’s next guest. She was Senator a Congresswoman from upstate New York when she was chosen to fill the vacancy after Senator Clinton was appointed to Secretary of State. Senator Gillibrand is up for election in 2010.

Senator Gillibrand serves on the Environment and Public Works, Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Special Committee on Aging and the all important Foreign Relations committee.

The Greek American community is just getting to know the new Senator and nearly all the leaders of the Community are the host committee, September 25, 2009, 6PM - 8PM at the Regency Hotel, Manhattan.

Another favorite son of the Greek American community comes to New York this fall. Congressman John Sarbanes, the son of former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes, represents Maryland’s 3rd Congressional district in the U.S. Congress. The young Sarbanes sits on the Energy and Commerce and the Natural Resources Committees. This is the Congressman’s second term and has gained a reputation of a hard working legislator who strives to provide first rate constituent services and practical solutions for the challenges that face Maryland’s working families.

Senator Paul Sarbanes will be coming with the Congressman to a New York reception and dinner October 9, 2009, 6PM -8PM, also in Manhattan.


Full details on each of the events are available from the offices of John Catsimatidis (212-956-5803, Tmwred@aol.com).

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


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