Harris Announces a "Prescription for the Pain at the Pum

Salisbury - While speaking at a Chamber of Commerce lunch in Salisbury today, Andy Harris M.D. announced his "Prescription for the Pain at the Pump." Andy's plan offers both short-term and long-term solutions to the out of control fuel costs. Andy announced his plan at a Chamber of Commerce meeting because "The greatest threat to our economic wellbeing is the rising fuel costs."

"I will take the lead in fighting against these out of control gas prices," said Dr. Harris. Rising fuel costs impact the most basic necessities of life, like groceries at the supermarket. "Working families should not be forced to decide whether to fill up the gas tank or put food on their table," Harris added.

"Because the liberal Washington Democrats refuse to alleviate the pain at the pump, it is time to elect people who will represent the values of working families. I will do just that," Harris said.

Below is Dr. Andy's "Prescription for the Pain at the Pump"

1. Temporarily suspend the federal and state gasoline taxes of $.42 from Memorial Day through Labor Day

2. Increase efficiency and simplify the refining process by temporarily reducing the over 40 different gasoline blends nationwide to four blends.

3. Open domestic natural gas and oil production in areas such as off the Aleutian Islands, in ANWR, and on the continental shelf to decrease our dependence on oil from foreign countries.

4. Increase long-term oil-refining capacity by establishing fast-track approval for construction of new refineries and expansion of existing refineries.

5. Provide incentives for technological innovations in alternative forms of energy like nuclear, cellulosic ethanol, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen cell

Harris Campaign Outraised Opponent 2 to 1

Annapolis: Today, the Andy Harris campaign released their first quarter fundraising totals showing they outraised their Democratic opponent by a more than two to one margin. The Andy Harris for Congress campaign raised $401,168.22 this quarter and has $204,325.84 cash on hand.

This report covers all contributions and expenses from January 24, 2008 through March 31, 2008. The Harris campaign raised, on average, $5,987 a day.

"I have been humbled by the overwhelming financial support from the many individuals who agree with my vision of lowering taxes and decreasing government spending to stimulate the economy," said Andy Harris.

"Andy's positive message is resonating with voters, which has led to this overwhelming support for his campaign," said Chris Meekins, Campaign Manager for Andy Harris for Congress. "Doubling our opponents fundraising totals clearly shows the Andy Harris campaign has the support and momentum in the General Election."

Fast Facts:
Total Contributions Year to Date: 1,499,193.69
Total Contributions this Report: 401,168.22
Total Disbursements Year to Date: 1,286,663.47
Total Disbursements this Report: 569,293.46
Cash on Hand: 204,325.84

Meet Senator Andy Harris - Cancelled

Senator Harris will not be available for this meeting as originally scheduled.

Senator Andy Harris, candidate for Congress, will be at the next Young Republican Club meeting on March 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Perryville Library. This event is being co-sponsored by the Cecil County Republican Club.

Eagle Forum PAC Endorses Andy Harris

Eagle Forum PAC Endorses Andy Harris

Annapolis - A nationally recognized conservative organization, Eagle Forum PAC, has endorsed Andy Harris in his bid to unseat incumbent Wayne Gilchrest. Eagle Forum PAC supports candidates who are committed to a conservative philosophy of limited government, national sovereignty, and traditional values.

In the endorsement, Eagle Forum Founder and President, Phyllis Schlafly said, "Andy's articulate conservative voice in the Maryland General Assembly shows he's the right man to represent the first district. From his support for the unborn to limiting the size of government to ensuring that illegal aliens do not receive driver's licenses, Andy knows the issues facing America and is willing to address them head on,"

"I am proud to receive the endorsement of this respected conservative organization," said Andy Harris. "I share Eagle Forum's commitment to limited government, support for the unborn, and defense of our national sovereignty."

"This endorsement shows that on February 12, 2008 conservatives have one choice in the first district - Andy Harris," said Chris Meekins, Campaign Manager for Andy Harris for Congress.

POLITICO - Poll: Gilchrest with 60 percent negative rating among GOPers

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), in the midst of a fierce Republican primary fight to hold onto his Eastern Shore-based seat, has also hit rock-bottom with many of his Republican constituents, according to a newly released poll.

The Washington Times - Andy Harris for Congress

All three major candidates for the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District are honorable, patriotic Americans. But Mr. Harris is clearly the strongest conservative leader in the Feb. 12 Republican primary. The Washington Times is pleased to endorse Andy Harris.

The Washington Times - Editorial on Congressional Race

To regain America's trust and deserve the majority, we must elect congressmen who not only say the right things, but do them. Actions speak louder than words, and Dr. Harris's consistent, conservative record speaks for itself. The Republican Party needs a strong dose of conservative medicine, and Dr. Harris is the right prescription for an ailing Congress.

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.

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."

Senator E J Pipkin Announces That He Will Run For Congress

Senator E J Pipkin is going to announce tomorrow that he is a candidate for Congress. Stay turn.