John Sarbanes has a refreshing sense of humility that one does not always see in would be politicians.  The Harvard educated lawyer and policy maker was in Chicago on June 23rd for a fundraiser hosted by UHAC National at the Greek Islands Restaurant.

οΏ½It was 1974. Turkey had just invaded Cyprus,οΏ½ said Andrew A. Athens, Chairman of UHAC National.  A young man from Maryland had come to Chicago seeking our support in his candidacy for the US Senate.  We knew from the beginning that Paul Sarbanes would be a terrific senator.  He would be our voice in Congress regarding Hellenic causes.  Now his son comes to Chicago seeking our support in his bid to continue to be a voice for Hellenism in the US Congress,οΏ½ continued Mr. Athens in his opening remarks.

Following his fatherοΏ½s illustrious career in public service and dedication to Hellenism and Orthodoxy, John Sarbanes places a high value on his Greek and American heritages. John spent 16 years representing hospitals and senior care providers. He has served his home state of Maryland as special assistant to the Maryland Superintendent of Schools.  His years in Greece have helped him gain the knowledge of the issues facing Greece in the world arena and with Turkey.  John can carry on his fatherοΏ½s legacy, while forging ahead in his own right as a person who cares about his country, his heritage and his fellow man.

οΏ½When I met Andrew Athens, his reputation as a champion of Hellenism and Orthodox preceded him. I was a young hopeful candidate and the Chicago community supported me in my campaign for the Senate.  Andy and I became friends and for more than 30 years, there has been no one who has cared more for his fellow Hellenes. This is evident in his humanitarian work and the establishment of the health care centers in the former Soviet Republics and AlbaniaοΏ½, remarked Senator Sarbanes. οΏ½Now my son, a candidate for the very same district in Maryland that began my political career, is here today asking for your support,οΏ½ continued Senator Sarbanes.

John Sarbanes, in his address to those who attended the fundraiser, said that there were three things that he would like to restore in America.  The first was a sense of civility among the people of America and among the members of Congress.  He feels that everyday common courtesies, that are the hallmark of American society are being lost.  The second is to restore AmericaοΏ½s image around the world and third he wants to address AmericaοΏ½s health and education systems.

οΏ½I may be viewed by some as an idealist,οΏ½ said John Sarbanes.  οΏ½But ideas help us think ahead and have the hope to keep this nation strong.  I want to work in cooperation with my fellow Congressmen and women to share ideas and find solutionsοΏ½, continued John.

John is in a close race and needs our support to be successful.  He is one of only two Greek-American candidates running for Congress.  LetοΏ½s keep a Sarbanes in Congress!  Send your support to John Sarbanes for Congress in care of UHAC National, 980 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1210, Chicago, IL 60611.