Third Party and Write-In Candidates

Mr. Peddicord’s article concerning write-in candidates was a disservice to our community. Too few people want to get involved these days and we should not discourage those that do. It can be beneficial to have several candidates to choose from who can bring forth a wealth of ideas and viewpoints. Our county deserves as much. There will always be only one winner in a race and those that did not win will be left wondering what went wrong. But that very fact along with the freedom to run for office and the freedom to choose are what makes us such a great country.

As to Mr. Peddicord’s comments concerning Mr. McWilliams I must say that was tactless. Here is a man who wants nothing more than to serve the good people of Cecil County and has given so much of his time in trying to do just that. He should be shown some respect and gratitude for consistently trying to do what so many others are just willing to ignore. I feel that he deserves a front page public apology.

Has anyone seen our local elected Republican officials this election?

Has anyone seen our local elected Republican officials this election? It seemed to me that most were MIA this year for the general election. And I believe that due to their lack of support, it is going to cost us the 1st Congressional District. I do not know if this was due to personal agendas or bruised egos from the primary.

It seems like we all have a short term memory but try to remember back to 2002 when we all sat around that huge table every Sunday night, united as a party. Those nights were not a love fest, but everyone overcame their personal agendas and different personalities to work together with one common goal. To get Republicans elected. And guess what, it was a great year that year.

Since that year, we as a party have not worked together with the same goal. I wish I could say that all of my choices win their primaries but they don’t (ex Mitt Romney County Coordinator). I did not quit being a Republican because my candidate lost; I am out there the next day supporting the winner.

Do not be surprised if your support is not there for your next primary election. I will make this promise though, after all of the votes are counted and you are the winner, I will be there to support you again as a Republican.

Republican Candidate Reception Planned in Patriots Glen on October 29th

(Elkton, MD) – A “Meet the Candidates” reception for Republican candidates is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th at the Patriots Glen Golf Course Clubhouse, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Special guests will be Andy Harris, U.S. Congressional candidate; Jim Mullin, candidate for Cecil County Commissioner (District 1) and Robert Hodge, candidate for Cecil County Commissioner (District 5).

This is event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Tari Moore at (443) 350-3669 or moorestrategies@comcast.net.

THE REPUBLICAN CLUB OF CECIL COUNTY Cecil County for McCain-Palin presents former Prisoner of War, Everett Alvarez

THE REPUBLICAN CLUB OF CECIL COUNTY Cecil County for McCain-Palin presents former Prisoner of War, Everett Alvarez

Event Details

The Republican Club of Cecil County, in conjunction with the Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware McCain-Palin Campaigns, announces that former Prisoner of War, Everett Alvarez will attend an event at the Wellwood Yacht Club in Charlestown, Maryland on October 25, 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Everett Alvarez, Jr., a distinguished Naval officer and government executive, is best known to the public as the first American aviator shot down over North Vietnam in what is now known as the "Gulf of Tonkin Incident." He was taken prisoner on August 5, 1964 and held as a POW for 8½ years by the North Vietnamese at the notorious "Hanoi Hilton" where Presidential Candidate John McCain was also held.

Mr. Alvarez served in Program Management at the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington D.C. until his retirement from the Navy in 1980. Mr. Alvarez then served as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps from 1981-82 Mr. Alvarez served as Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration from 1982 until 1986.

President George Bush appointed Mr. Alvarez to serve on the President's Task Force to improve Health Care Delivery for our Nation's Veterans.

From 2003-2004, Mr. Alvarez was appointed by Secretary Tony Principi, Secretary of the Veterans Affairs, to Chair the CARES Commission (Capital Asset Realignment and Enhancement Study Commission).

Mr. Alvarez has co-authored two books: Chained Eagle, a historical accounting of his experiences during his captivity in Vietnam, and Code of Conduct, the story of the rebuilding of his life upon return from Vietnam. A book signing will be held, during which these books will be available for purchase.

This event is being planned as a McCain-Palin 2008 Rally and Salute to the Troops. All Active Duty Military and Veterans are invited to attend. The purpose of this free event is to excite Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware voters with a rally and speakers; and distribute yard signs and campaign literature.

For Further information contact Rod Wittstadt 443-804-5320 or gwwittstadt@comcast.net


To register for this free event go here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/181459751

Cecil GOP Voter Registration Drive Saturday, October 4

As part of a statewide campaign, Republicans in Cecil County will hold a voter registration drive on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at American Home & Hardware (202 W Main Street, Elkton) to ensure that everyone of voting age has the opportunity to vote in the November 4th General Election. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 14th.

The “Black-Eyed Susan Day” event will mobilize local volunteers to set up registration tables at key locations in the county on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration forms for new voters and to change an address or party affiliation will be available, along with information about candidates and ballot issues.

“People are excited about the McCain-Palin ticket and want to cast their vote, some for the first time, in the Presidential race, and for Andy Harris, candidate for U.S. Congress,” said Robert Hodge, Chairman of Cecil GOP Central Committee and candidate for Cecil County Commissioner. “We’ve had hundreds of phone calls at the Cecil GOP Headquarters wanting signs, bumper stickers and candidate information.”

“This is one of the most exciting elections in recent history”, said Dr. Jim Pelura, MD GOP Chair, “and we want to make sure that everyone can participate in electing the next President, members of Congress, and Cecil County Commissioners.”

For more information or to obtain signs, bumper stickers and candidate information contact Robert Hodge at 443-553-1517. To volunteer to join the “Black-Eyed Susan” team, call Cecilia Poole at 410-398-3414. You may also obtain voter registration information and forms at www.MDGOP.org.

Hodge 2008 Campaign Announces Unveiling of New Website

Hodge 2008 Campaign Announces
Unveiling of New Website

(North East, MD) – The Robert Hodge 2008 campaign announced the unveiling of their new website at www.hodge2008.com.

The new website features links to local and state government offices, a calendar for events and meetings, a fresh “community” section, and a Paypal link for campaign donations – in addition to Hodge’s biography, the issues, volunteer opportunities, etc.

“People are busy – but they still want to know more about the candidates and what they stand for on issues,” stated Hodge’s Campaign Manager Tari Moore, “we want to encourage people to visit the website, get to know Robert better, and contact him with any questions or concerns.”

Robert Hodge is a candidate for Commissioner in District 5, a long-time resident of Cecil County, and a local businessman. He is running for the seat being vacated by Commissioner Mark Guns.

For additional information, contact Robert Hodge at 443-553-1517 or visit www.hodge2008.com

Mullin to Host ‘Meet-n-Greet’ at Chesapeake Bay Golf Course

September 1, 2008 (Earleville, MD)

Please come out to support Jim Mullin for County Commissioner on September 25th from 6pm-8pm at Chesapeake Bay Golf Course in Rising Sun, Md. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided and a silent auction will be held. Tickets are $50 per person.

Our guest speaker Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, will be in attendance to address the audience.

Commissioner Candidate Forum, Sept 29 at Rising Sun Library, 7pm

Commissioner Candidate Forum, Sept 29 at Rising Sun Library, 7pm

The 21st Century Republican Club is hosting a Commissioner Candidate Forum for the general election on Monday, September 29, 2008 in the Rising Sun Library(111 Colonial Way, Rising Sun, MD 21911) at 7:00 P.M. This is intended to be a non-partisan event and candidates from both parties will attend and answer questions about the upcoming election. All Republicans, Democrats and Independents are welcomed to attend.

For further information, please contact us at 410-658-2144.

GILCHREST TO CAMPAIGN IN EVERY COUNTY ON ELECTION EVE

The “Around the Bay in a Day” Express

CHESTERTOWN, MD -- U.S. Rep. Wayne will lead a busload of supporters on a barn-storming tour through every county in Maryland’s First Congressional district on Monday to encourage voters to get out to the polls on Tuesday.

“There is a lot of excitement in the air and we are encouraged by the momentum of our campaign. I look forward to taking our positive message to the voters in the final hours of this campaign,” said Gilchrest.

The current schedule of stops is detailed below. Please join Wayne in your county to pick up signs and rally with him in the final hours of the campaign!

Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest
“Around the Bay in a Day” Bus Tour
February 11, 2008
AM

6:30 – 7:00 Queen Anne’s / Kent Island Park & Ride Lot
Location: Route 8 & Route 50 Park & Ride Lot near K-Mart

7:00 – 8:00 Anne Arundel County / Severna Park Park & Ride Lot
Location: Route 2 Ritchie Highway & Jones Station Road
Notes: Gilchrest will be joined by Delegate Tony McConkey

8:45 – 9:15 Baltimore County / Perry Hall
Location: Corner of Bel Air Road & Silver Spring Rd.
Notes: Gilchrest will be joined by Jeff Griffin

9:45 – 10:30 Harford County / Bel Air
Location: Meet at County office building parking lot, 220 S. Main Street
Activity: Gilchrest will campaign through downtown with Councilman Jim McMahon & County Executive David Craig.

11:30 – 12:30 Cecil County / Elkton
Location: Walking tour with local business leaders begins at Elkton
PM Florist (132 W. Main Street)

1:00 – 1:30 Kent County / Galena
Location: Walking tour begins at St. Dennis Parking lot, Route 213

2:30 – 3:00 Caroline County / Denton
Location: Walking tour begins at Caroline County Court House, Denton
Notes: Gilchrest will be joined by Caroline County State’s Attorney Jonathan Newell

3:30 – 4:00 Talbot County / Easton
Location: Old Lowes Parking Lot, 207 Marlboro Road, Easton Bypass.

5:15 – 5:45 Somerset County / Princess Anne
Location: McDonald’s parking lot, Southbound side of Route 13, intersection of Route 13 & Route 388.

6:00 Salisbury/Wicomico Chamber of Commerce reception
Location: Adams Rib Restaurant, Route 13, South Salisbury

6:15 – 7:00 Wicomico / Salisbury
Location: Giant grocery store, Route 13 South, Salisbury.
Notes: Republican leader Blan Harcum will join Gilchrest

7:30 – 8:15 Worchester County / Berlin / Ocean Pines
GOTV Rally & Reception
Location: De Novo Trattoria, inside South Entrance of OP , Route 589.
Activity: WTG & volunteers join a pizza reception with local supporters.
9:30 – 10:00 Dorchester County / Cambridge
Location: Movie Theater & Shopping Center, 2775 Dorchester Square

11:00 PM Anne Arundel / Return to Severna Park Park & Ride

Hodge is Unfairly Accused

In his letter in Wednesday’s Cecil Whig, Dr. Mulvey indicated that he may be in the wrong profession. He should be an old-time politician since he has already mastered one of their defining characteristics, the habit of attributing only altruistic motives to all of his friends and only self-serving interests to all of his opponents. It never seems to occur to those folks that anyone could run for public office with a genuine desire to improve the community in which they live and work. I’m sure that when Robert Hodge was considering a response to the people who asked him to run for County Commissioner, it never entered his mind that it might be financially advantageous, as Mulvey suggests. Instead, I imagine he pondered the considerable sacrifice in time, money and piece of mind that it would involve, not to mention the media abuse to which he would become vulnerable.

It is grossly insulting to accuse a candidate of wanting to profit from a public office, with absolutely no evidence of such thoughts. It also indicates a complete ignorance of the County’s excellent ethics laws. A Commissioner is bound by law and by his personal integrity to recuse himself from all decisions remotely connected with his private affairs. I believe that Robert’s primary purpose in running was to attempt to reverse a trend in County affairs that he found very troubling. He saw, as I do, that opportunities for young people to start and succeed in business have been steadily eroded by excessive taxes, onerous regulations, and government interference. I believe he felt an obligation to try to preserve the elements in our society that allowed him to prosper and to enjoy life and work in Cecil County.

I was fascinated by Mulvey’s claim to knowledge about who owned the properties where Hodge’s campaign signs are displayed. Surely he didn’t check the land records for all of those locations. I’ll bet Hodge doesn’t even know where they all are, since they were erected by a small group of hard-working supporters, whose only instructions were to distribute them around the County and to get the land owners’ permission. It seems logical that a random distribution would put many of them on the properties of people who own the most land. All of this indicates that Dr. Mulvey is probably not going to join the throng of citizens who want to improve the quality of our County government by voting for Robert Hodge for County Commissioner in the Republican Primary on Tuesday.

Lulu's Beau

Endorsements for Tuesday

Please remember to vote on Tuesday (Feb. 12th) in the Maryland Primary Election. Until last Thursday, there were 3 races here in this area that were being closely followed by the area Republicans, the Presidential, Congressional District 1 and Commissioner District 5.

In the Presidential battle, I will not be endorsing any of the remaining candidates. I was the Cecil County Chair for the Mitt Romney Campaign which tells you who I was previously cheering on. In fact, many of the Maryland County Chairs for Romney will be still voting for him on Tuesday, just to send a message. But at the end of the day, I will still support the Republican nominee for the general election.

I am endorsing Robert Hodge for County Commissioner in District 5. Politically, this was an easy choice. I believe that Robert has the business experience that Cecil County needs going forward with BRAC coming to the area. Personally, it was a tough choice; I have known Tom McWilliams for over 6 years now. And like many other people, like Tom a lot. I just believe that he lacks the business experience that will be necessary to move the county forward.

I am endorsing Senator Andy Harris for Congress. I believe that he has the conservative values that match mine the closest. Congressman Gilchrest lost me when he supported a timeline for a troop withdrawn from Iraq. How can you vote to send folks to war and then turn around and withdrawn your support when the political winds change. With that being said, I had to say that this has been one of the most negative campaigns that I have even seen. My mailbox has been clutter almost on a daily basis with negative brochures from all three major candidates, Senator Pipkin, Congressman Gilchrest and Senator Harris.

Gilchrest starts accepting PAC money

By Joseph Gidjunis Staff Writer

SALISBURY -- U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest has stood on a political fundraising pedestal since 1993 for not accepting Political Action Committee money to directly fund his own campaigns.

These groups, known as PACs, are formed almost exclusively with the purpose to raise and spend money for political candidates, but while individuals are capped at giving $2,300 per election, a PAC has double the giving potential at $5,000. PACs are negatively stereotyped because they are often formed to push a special interest with contributions from residents outside the voting district.

But Gilchrest, a nine-term Republican incumbent, acknowledged stepping down from the pinnacle of his fundraising moxie Monday in order to combat the massive fundraising efforts of state Sen. Andrew Harris, R-7-Baltimore County.

The new position was confirmed after a fundraising lunch invitation for Gilchrest with House Republican Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, was released stating the suggested contribution for the Washington meal is $1,000 in PAC or personal money.

The lunch is Thursday at noon. Gilchrest campaign spokesman Tony Caligiuri said the campaign was forced into this difficult move because groups such as Club for Growth have bundled the maximum amount of contributions allowed by federal law and urged hundreds of residents across the country to send Harris a campaign check.

The tactic is common, but Gilchrest has repeatedly supported a no-PAC policy, literally returning PAC campaign checks to the sender."After the last finance report, when we realized the Club for Growth was going to dump hundreds of thousands of dollars into this race, it wouldn't be a fair fight. He's taking PAC money, money from all over the country. We have to fundraise as aggressively as Andy Harris," Caligiuri said referring to D.C.-based Club for Growth, an anti-tax, small government organization.

"Fundraising has never been a strength of Wayne Gilchrest. He would rather not raise PAC money. ... It's a sad fact that this campaign has been pushed to do this."Gilchrest has made his no-PAC position clear numerous times, including in a letter The Daily Times published in 2002."I know special-interests groups don't like me very much and are helping to fund my opponent's campaign. That's because I don't take PAC money and my vote can't be bought," Gilchrest wrote in a letter printed Aug. 25, 2002. "I only accept contributions from people who can vote for me, and I wish every member of Congress subscribed to that."Caligiuri said the campaign started accepting PAC money this quarter, which began Oct. 1, but he could not immediately determine the total raised. Two contributions made in October totaling $4,000 were listed on the Federal Election Commission's Web site Monday. Congressional campaigns do not have to file their fourth quarter report, which ends Dec. 31, until January.FEC reports, however, are often amended or updated. Half a dozen contributions from other PACs earlier in the year were also listed. However, Caligiuri said most, if not all, of these checks were returned to the sender.Harris, who has listed more than $46,000 in PAC contributions, about one-tenth of his individual contributions, said

Gilchrest's policy shift is what voters in the 1st Congressional District should expect from their representative."What we are saying is the congressman ran one way 17 years ago, and now he has abandoned things that he said then, and taking PAC money is one of the things," Harris said.Harris emphasized that he has no problems with Gilchrest taking PAC money because he, too, is benefiting from these dollars. He conceded that without PAC money, a challenger can't defeat a 17-year incumbent. But what he wants to point out is the change in position."An incumbent has a tremendous advantage. If I had chosen not to accept money from outside the district, it would be impossible to challenge an incumbent," Harris said. "I've always accepted this money. I challenge anyone to see if this makes me beholden."GOP primary newcomer state Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-36-Queen Anne's, who announced his filing for the 1st Congressional District on Thursday, did not return a phone call for comment.

Statement on Pipkin Entering the Race

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Meekins
November 29, 2007 443-553-4794

Statement on Pipkin Entering the Race

"America is a free country and anyone can run for office. We are glad the only state senator not to endorse Andy finally realizes that Gilchrest should no longer be representing the first congressional district. However, Pipkin and Gilchrest are two tax-and-spend peas in a liberal pod. Andy Harris is the only person in this race who shares the conservative values of the first congressional district which is why he will win on February 12th."

The News Journal - Pipkin to enter 1st District race in Md.

State Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, R-Somerset, said he sees this move by Pipkin as good for the incumbent, almost guaranteeing another Gilchrest victory.

"I'm not going to support Pipkin," said Stoltzfus, who has endorsed Harris. "For him to get into the race this late, it ensures he and Harris will both lose."

"Ehrlich Helps Harris Raise $50,000 at Fundraiser"

Grasonville - Tonight, a fundraiser for Andy Harris with special guest, Governor Bob Ehrlich, brought in over $50,000 for Harris' campaign in Maryland's first congressional district. At the event, former Congressman and Governor Bob Ehrlich offered his and his wife Kendall's full support for the Harris campaign.

As the first Republican elected to the governorship in Maryland in over 40 years, Governor Ehrlich is the most recognizable and respected Republican in the State of Maryland. "Republican voters trust Governor Ehrlich's opinion" said Harris. "Ehrlich's support for my campaign against Gilchrest shows that Gilchrest no longer supports mainstream Republican values."

During his remarks, Governor Ehrlich praised Andy's fiscally conservative record while in Annapolis. In response Andy promised to "take my fiscally conservative record from the Maryland State Senate to the United States Congress." The former Governor also praised Harris' record of being a "team player" while he was Governor. "For Republicans to move a positive conservative agenda forward, we must stick together." Harris added.

The event was co-hosted by Karen Oertel, the owner and operator of Harris Crab House (no relation to Andy Harris) in Grasonville, Maryland on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Karen is a well-respected small business owner who has taken an active roll in the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration Project. Karen has a passion for improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay which is one of the many reasons she is supporting Andy's candidacy.

The fundraising totals from this event are added to an impressive third quarter contribution total of $352,000. Andy Harris for Congress in the third quarter out-raised Gilchrest 3.7 to 1. The campaign also eliminated Gilchrest's cash-on-hand lead during the third quarter.

GILCHREST VOTES FOR BAN ON TAXING THE INTERNET

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) voted in favor of legislation Tuesday that extends the ban on taxing the Internet for another 4 years.

H.R. 3678, called The Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments of 2007, passed by a vote of 405 to 2.

“This extension is important because it was due to expire on November 1st,” Gilchrest said. “But I’ve cosponsored legislation that would permanently prohibit taxing the Internet and I hope this Congress acts on that legislation.”

Gilchrest is a cosponsor of H.R. 743, which permanently bans Internet taxes and has 238 cosponsors in the House.

The legislation passed Tuesday extends the moratorium on certain state and local taxation of online services and electronic commerce until November 1, 2011.

Congress first banned Internet taxes in 1998. Over the last decade, Gilchrest has voted to make the Internet tax ban permanent, but those bills died in the Senate. Temporary bans have passed instead, the most recent passing in 2004.

“With an emerging industry like the Internet, Congress should be doing everything to encourage its growth, not tax it. Economic growth is the key to our strong economy, and this measure should help promote growth in one of our most promising fields,” Gilchrest said.

Andy Harris Raised over $526,000 year to date

Thanks for all of your help. The momentum behind my campaign is continuing to build.

"Andy Harris Raised over $526,000 year to date"

Salisbury - Today, Andy Harris for Congress announced it will report that the campaign has raised $526,256 this year, with over $352,000 in total receipts for the third quarter ending September 30, 2007. Despite the difficulty most campaigns have raising funds during the summer months, the total raised during the third quarter is more than double the amount raised in the second quarter ending June 30, 2007.

"The strong financial support for my campaign echoes what I see and hear as I visit with voters throughout the district." said Harris. "They want a congressman who believes in fiscal responsibility, stopping illegal immigration, and winning the Global War on Terror."

No previous primary challenger to Gilchrest has ever raised as much money – much less with four months to go in the campaign. More importantly, the “cash on hand” available shows that the campaign will be able to get Andy's message for change out to the Republican primary voters in the district.

"Andy's message of consistent conservative leadership - a direct contrast to liberal Wayne Gilchrest's support for higher taxes, wasteful government spending, and amnesty for illegal immigrants - is energizing people to finally break with the incumbent and open their wallets to help Andy become the next congressman", said Chris Meekins, campaign manager for the Harris campaign.

FAST FACTS about Andy Harris for Congress Third Quarter Report:

Total Receipts Year to Date: $526,256

Total Receipts for the Third Quarter: $352,142

Cash on Hand: $402,053

Hodge Forms Campaign Committee

Robert J. Hodge
For Immediate Release...
Contact: Robert J. Hodge October 5, 2007 443-553-1517
Hodge Forms Campaign Committee

Robert Hodge announced today the formation of the “Hodge for Cecil County” campaign finance committee in advance of his filing to run for Cecil County Commissioner in District 5. The campaign committee will raise and spend money prior to Hodge filing as an official candidate for the Cecil County Commissioner in District 5. Jim Brady will serve as Chairman of the committee and Allan Loomis will serve as the Treasurer.

“I am honored that Jim Brady and Allan Loomis have volunteered to serve in leadership roles in my campaign for County Commissioner. Jim is an active member of the community and I look forward to having his leadership and counsel during my campaign,” said Robert Hodge. “Allan has the keen eye for detail that is needed to manage the finances of a campaign committed to winning in our county.”

Jim Brady operates his family’s sheet metal fabrication business in Elkton, MD. He has served as president of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce (2000-2001) and on two county appointed task forces. Other affiliations include the Susquehanna Workforce Network Board of Directors and Executive Committee and the Boy Scouts of America – Cecil District Committee. Jim lives outside of North East with his wife of 21 years, Linda, and their two sons.

Allan Loomis is a retired duPont employee who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland. He has over 35 years’ service with the Boy Scouts of America and presently serves as the Chair of Cecil District’s National Eagle Scout Association. Allan is also the Treasurer of the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware and is the Vice President of the United Methodist Men of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Allan lives near Fair Hill with his wife of almost 40 years, Portia.

“Since announcing that I intend to run for County Commissioner in District 5, I have received an outpouring of support and encouragement from voters throughout the county,” said Hodge. “By forming this committee, we have taken an important step toward becoming an official candidate for County Commissioner and now we shall begin to build a winning campaign.”

“Our county faces many tough decisions in the coming months and years and it is important that we have leadership on the Board of County Commissioners committed to making ---and following through --- on those decisions. We can no longer drag our feet in seeking ways to responsibly manage growth in Cecil County, preserve the rural character of our county, and strengthen its agricultural base,” said Hodge.

Robert Hodge lives on a cattle and horse farm outside North East. Hodge, a local Businessman who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Agricultural Economics from Penn State University, has made Cecil County his home for the past 25 years.

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

Andy Harris for Congress - Gilchrest Misleads Voters on Illegal Immigration

The full color franked mail Gilchrest's congressional office sent out at taxpayer expense is misleading the public on Gilchrest's record on illegal immigration. "The taxpayers are funding Gilchrest's misleading statements concerning his record on illegal immigration," said Chris Meekins, Political Director for the campaign.

The truth is Gilchrest supports AMNESTY for illegal immigrants (co-sponsor of H.R. 371, 2007). "Unlike the incumbent, I will never support any form of amnesty," Harris added.

Gilchrest's real record on illegal immigration:

* H.R.1885 5/21/2001 Vote 127: Gilchrest voted to allow illegal immigrants who overstayed their visas to pay a $1,000 fine and stay in the U.S. while they completed their residency application.
* H. AMDT 655 7/8/2004 Vote 341: Gilchrest voted against an amendment that would have increased funding for enforcing current federal laws against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
* H. AMDT 745 9/9/2004 Voted 439: Gilchrest voted against the amendment that would have barred illegal immigrants working in the U.S. from receiving Social Security benefits.
* H.AMDT 138 5/17/2005 Vote 177: Gilchrest voted against the amendment that would have denied federal homeland security funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with federal immigration authorities.

Not only is Gilchrest misleading the public about his record, but he is also using taxpayer dollars to do it. "Apparently Gilchrest has so little respect for taxpayer dollars, that he votes for billions of dollars in wasteful spending and then uses taxpayer dollars to fund campaign activities," Meekins said.

"It is one thing to send a letter to a constituent who asks about a specific issue, it is a completely different thing to mislead them," said Chris Meekins, Political Director for Harris for Congress.


Using taxpayer funded franked mail for his own political benefit is nothing new for the office of Wayne Gilchrest. In the first quarter of 2007, Gilchrest's office was in the top 10% of all members of congress in his abuse of franked mail.