Urges Indian Americans to send a message to Burton.
October 26, 2009; Washington D.C.: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) hosted a fundraiser to support Dr. John McGoff, a strong candidate to unseat noted India critic Rep. Dan Burton in next year's Republican Primary election. Dr. McGoff came within 7% of defeating Rep. Burton in last year's Primary election. Dr. McGoff is an emergency physician and a Colonel in the Air National Guard.
Rep. Burton's numerous assails on India include accusing India of "being one of the world's worst human rights abusers" and for having "a record of committing acts of terrorism." Rep. Burton has made unsubstantiated accusations about India on the floor of Congress over 16 times in the past two decades.
Vinnie Rao, an Indian American leader from Indianapolis who co-hosted the event, said "We are excited to work with USINPAC to support Dr. McGoff in this crucial race that is significant to the interests of Indian Americans and India. The community in Indiana has supported Dr. McGoff for many years and we will continue to do so."
Dr. John McGoff said "I would like to thank Indian Americans in Indiana and USINPAC for their assistance and support of my campaign to unseat Congressman Dan Burton. The Indian American community is a vital part of the fabric of our country. I have always supported their efforts to improve the way of life for all of us here in the United States and will continue to do so as a member of Congress."
"Dr. McGoff is the Indian American community's best chance of defeating Rep. Burton and stopping his attacks on India once and for all. Dr. McGoff's background in medicine and the National Guard qualifies him to deal with the some of the most pressing issues facing Americans, including health care and terrorism." said Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC. "We look forward to continuing to help Dr. McGoff in his campaign."
Since its inception, USINPAC has launched campaigns to neutralize Rep. Burton. In 2005, USINPAC organized support in Congress to successfully prevent Rep. Burton from becoming the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee. In 2003, USINPAC organized a campaign to successfully prevent Rep. Burton from becoming the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee that had jurisdiction over India.
