July 23, 2004 (St. Louis) - Rep. Russ Carnahan, a candidate for Congress in Missouri's 3rd District, attended the International Institute informational forum today where he announced that when he is elected as the Congressman from the 3rd District, he will form a "New Americans Congressional Advisory Committee" to advise him and his legislative staff, as well as other elected officials from the St. Louis area. The Committee will be comprised of leaders from various ethnic communities throughout the region.

"I currently represent the most diverse State Representative District in the 3rd Congressional District so I understand the vital role each ethnic community plays in the success of the St. Louis region," Carnahan said. "I want to make sure that all residents of this area can voice their ideas and concerns to the elected officials who represent them."

Carnahan is currently the only candidate in the race for the 3rd Congressional seat to make his website available in more than one language. The website includes Carnahan's stance on issues of importance to the 3rd District, as well as information about his campaign and how to become registered to vote. It is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Carnahan's literature pieces, with further information about his campaign, have been translated into Spanish and Bosnian.

On June 18, 2003, Rep. Carnahan announced his candidacy for Missouri's 3rd Congressional District to a crowd of over 200 supporters. Russ, his wife Debra, and their two sons reside in the city of St. Louis. He is currently serving his second term as a State Representative from the 59th District.