Save Pro-India U.S. Rep.Ben Gilman

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As you are aware, Rep Benjamin Gilman (R-NY), Chairman of the Middle East &;

South Asia Sub-Committee of the HIRC is a strong supporter of India and speaks

in favor of India and issues of concern to India whenever the need arises. He

has been a member of Congress since 1972. He has decided to seek re-election to

the House in November 2002.

It is understood that due to the proposed redistricting of the State of New

York, he is likely to face some difficulty. The redistricting process is

scheduled to be effected in EARLY MAY - i.e. EARLY NEXT MONTH.

Therefore, Indian Americans and Friends of India throughout the country need to

express strong support for Benjamin Gilman and also assist him financially if

requred.

Former Presidential candidate and US Senator Bob Dole has expressed his support

to Ben Gilman in a letter dated March 28, 2002 addressed to Governor Pataki.

This letter is reproduced below for your information.

Please take a few minutes to email/fax/write to the following four key members

of the Republican Leadership of New York State your expression of support.

(Senator Dole's letter provides some of the points you may want to mention):

The Honorable George Pataki Governor, The State of New York State Capitol

Albany, New York 12224 (To e-mail the Governor, visit

http://www.state.ny.us/governor/ and click:"Contact the Governor") Fax:

518-474-3464

The Honorable Joseph L. Bruno State Senate Majority Leader 909 Legislative

Office Building Albany, New York 12247 (518) 455 3191 (518) 583 1001

BRUNO (AT) senate (DOT) state.ny.us Fax: 518-455-2448

Chairman Sandy Treadwell New York Republican State Committeee 315 State Street

Albany, New York 12110 (518) 462 2601 Nygop (AT) global2000 (DOT) net Fax: 518-449-7443

The Honorable Dean G. Skelos State Senate Deputy Majority Leader 503 State

Capitol Building Albany, New York 12247 (518) 455 3171 (516) 766 8383

SKELOS (AT) senate (DOT) state.ny.us Fax: 518-426-6950

It would be best to follow up your email/fax/letter with a phone call. Please

act ASAP as TIME is VERY SHORT. Thanks, Ram Narayanan

LETTER FROM SENATOR BOB DOLE, DATED MARCH 28, 2002 The Honorable George Pataki

Governor, The State of New York State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor

Pataki: I am writing to you in support of a man of sincerity and wisdom and of

great importance to the State of New York and to our nation - my good friend,

Ben Gilman. During our short tenure together in the U.S. Congress, Ben was a

sound voice on foreign policy and, as the senior Republican Congressman from

the State of New York, a leader for the entire New York Congressional

delegation. His demeanor and character are respected by members from both sides

of the aisle and around the country. In the international community, Ben is a

renowned advocate for human rights, freedom, democracy, and he is respected far

and wide by leaders in government and industry. In 1982, after the last

reappointment, Ben was slated for a fair fight and won. However, it would be

unfair to make any member, particularly one with the seniority and respect of

Ben Gilman, to have to go through the same process again. On a personal note, I

know that Ben is a good friend to many members of the House and the Senate. He

is a leading voice on events around the world and, most importantly, he is a

strong advocate for the State of New York with Congressional leaders. As you

weigh the many options before the State of New York during this reappointment,

I implore you to consider the countless benefits Ben Gilman brings to the

people of the Hudson Valley, to the State of New York, to our entire nation and

to the distinguished office he has held for 15 terms. With best wishes,

Sincerely, Bob Dole Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: Click Here