FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C.—November 4, 2009) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) congratulates the following Italian Americans who have won elections across the United States. In California, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi won a special election for the 10th Congressional District. He now joins the Italian American Congressional Delegation as its 31st member. In New Jersey, former federal prosecutor Christopher J. Christie wins the governor’s seat. Christie’s running mate, Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno, will become New Jersey’s Lt. Governor. A former legislator Ken T. Cuccinelli II was elected Virginia’s next attorney general.

Incumbent Mayor Thomas Menino was re-elected for a record fifth term in Boston, Massachusetts.

As a nonpartisan educational foundation that promotes Italian American culture and heritage, NIAF celebrates the achievements of these public servants and wishes them much success as they work to solve the challenges that face our nation during these difficult times. We look forward to these elected officials continuing the rich contributions that Italian Americans have made to our nation.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational foundation that promotes Italian American culture and heritage. NIAF serves as a resource on the Italian American community and has educational and youth programs including scholarships, grants, heritage travel, and mentoring.

NIAF is also the voice for Italian Americans in Washington, DC and works closely with the Italian American Congressional Delegation and the White House. NIAF’s mission includes advancing U.S. – Italy business, political, and cultural relations and has a business council that promotes networking with corporate leaders.

The NIAF was founded in 1975 as a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. It is entirely non-partisan.