Weekly Update 10-8 - Andy Harris for Congress

Friends,

I have been so busy over the last two weeks, that I did not get a chance to update you on the campaign. Over the last two weeks, I have been meeting voters in every part of the district. I attended fundraising events for Senator Stotzfus and Colburn, both of whom have endorsed my campaign. Last week, our campaign had a Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Senator Jacobs and Senator Hooper in Harford County.

All of our campaign's hard work is beginning to show results. I overwhelmingly won a straw poll held by the Wicomico County Republican Club. The grassroots activists in the district are embracing our message of consistent, conservative, leadership for Maryland's first congressional district.

While I have been visiting all parts of the district, I have also been working hard to raise money so our campaign will be able to get our message to the voters in the district.. The third quarter financial report to the Federal Election Commission ended on September 30. Later this week our campaign will announce our fundraising numbers, but I will tell you that our goals were surpassed. Stay tuned for details.

During these last two weeks, my opponent has attempted to mislead the voters about his record on illegal immigration. He used taxpayer money to send out a full-color tri-fold mailer to some voters. We are determined to not let Gilchrest mislead the voters, so we sent a phone message from Delegate Pat McDonough (the leader in the General Assembly on stopping illegal immigration in Maryland) pointing out that Gilchrest actually supports AMNESTY for illegal immigrants (co-sponsor of H.R. 371). When you talk to people, do not allow them to be fooled that Gilchrest is tough on illegal immigration. He supports Amnesty, voted against increasing funding for the border patrol, and even supports tax-payer funded benefits for illegal immigrants. In contrast, I support securing our border, and will NEVER support amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Andy in the News:

"Elected Officials Throw Support Behind Gilchrest Primary Challenger Harris" - The Hill Here is an excerpt:

"CROFTON, Md. — Congressional candidate Dr. Andy Harris stood in front of a packed house at a meet-and-greet as a letter from a supporter was read. The house belonged to state Sen. Janet Greenip, and the letter was from former state Del. Herb McMillan. It was about their fellow Republican, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest ( Md.). “He’s voted for budget-busting spending, against funding our troops and for immigration policies that mock the rule of law,” griped McMillan about Gilchrest."

""Harris Calls on Gilchrest to Join Republican Efforts to Clean Up Earmark Process" Here is an excerpt:

"At the time of this release, 142 Republican members of Congress have signed the discharge petition, but not Wayne Gilchrest. "By not pursuing action to stop the backroom 'earmarks' process, Gilchrest is showing he supports the Democrat status quo," said Chris Meekins, Political Director for the campaign. "If elected to Congress, I will support real earmark reforms, and work to end earmarks althogether. If the government has enough money to waste on pork-barrel earmark spending, the government simply has too much money" Harris said."

"Harris: No ROTC, no federal funding" Here is an excerpt:

"Columbia University's decision to host the president of Iran today, a man who has publicly supported the annihilation of the United States and Israel is outrageous," said State Senator Andy Harris. "Even more disturbing is the fact they refuse to allow ROTC activities on their campus" said Andy Harris. "While Ahmadinejad is speaking to the liberal elite at Columbia, Iranian weapons will be used to attack American soldiers in Iraq," Harris said. "America should fund universities who support American values. By allowing him to speak, they are helping to further the terrorist agenda around the world."

"Colburn opposes sales tax hikes, endorsed Sen. Andrew Harris over Gilchrest" - The Star Democrat Here is an excerpt:

Colburn said Gilchrest's worst vote was to support a resolution telling President George W. Bush that the United States should not strike Iran unless Iraq strikes the United States. He said this ignores U.S. historical events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Harris said he is running against Gilchrest because he disagrees with him on the war, the economy and immigration "We're in the middle of a war, and it's a war I worry about," said Harris, an Operation Desert Storm veteran The United States has never fought a religious war before, he said. Desert Storm was an economic war, he said. The enemy, he said, seeks to convert people to Islam or kill them "In this war, surrender is not an option," he said

Quote of the Week: "Everybody says I am not a real Republican" - Wayne Gilchrest (9/27/2007 "The Hill")

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Oct 9 - 6:30pm House Party at the Belcher's home in Anne Arundel County

Wednesday, Oct 10 - 10AM Andy will be the guest speaker to the Republican Women of Anne Arundel County on tax issues facing Maryland

Thursday, Oct 11 - 7pm Andy will be the guest speaker for the Anne Arundel North County Republican Club at the Mountain Road Library

Friday, Oct 12 - 7:40AM Bill Reddish on WICO 1320AM

Friday, Oct 12 - 10-11am Jack Gillian on WQMR 101.1FM

Friday Oct 12 - Andy will be attending the Maryland Federation of Republican Women Conference in Ocean City at the Carousel and will have a hospitality Suite that night.

Thursday Oct 18 - 6:30pm Governor Bob Ehrlich is hosting a fundraiser for Andy at Harris' Crab House on the Kent Narrows. Click here to see an invitation. Veterans and current members of the military can attend at the discounted rate of $100 per person. Contact Dave at dave@andyharris08.com for more information.

How to Help:

Volunteer to: Make Phone Calls, Knock on Doors, Put Up Yard Signs, or Write Letters to the Editor To Volunteer Click Here

Signs: We need your help to find locations to put up both regular yard signs and 4by8 signs throughout the district. If you have a good location, email us and we will get signs to you.

Don't forget to forward this message to your friends and family. Please encourage them to receive these updates. They can subscribe here.

I apologize for the length of this update. I am excited at the direction the campaign is heading and with your help, I will be victorious on February 12, 2008.

God Bless,

Andy Harris