Congressman Ron Paul will headline a rally and fundraiser this Thursday night, October 9th, at the Comcast Center at the University of Maryland in College Park. General admission to the event is $25 ($5 with student ID), with doors opening at 7:30pm. A VIP event with Ron Paul will begin at 6:30pm and will cost $150. The event will be sponsored by Maryland Students for Liberty and Liberty PAC. All the Maryland Republican Congressional candidates have been invited to participate and speak. Those confirmed so far are: Richard Matthews (MD-2), Peter James (MD-4), Collins Bailey (MD-5), and Mike Hargadon (MD-7). All four Congressional candidates believe in limited Constitutional government, fiscal responsibility, sound money, individual responsibility, economic and personal liberty, American independence and national sovereignty.

The Maryland candidates have indicated that the enthusiasm surrounding their campaigns has picked up in the past week, especially after Congress passed a controversial $700 billion bailout last week. The four candidates are uniformly opposed to any form of bailout, and they believe the public supports that view as well.

"Our platform is popular and increasing in publicity every day. This event will be a large part of that," said Matthews, who began airing "Shame on you" ads directed at incumbent Dutch Ruppersberger on WBAL last week. Matthews added, "Last week our campaign zinger 'If you go Dutch, YOU PAY' proved prophetic, with Ruppersberger voting yes on the bailout package twice. Flip flopping was not a problem for the incumbent, as he stood against the Maryland taxpayer but with Wall Street without equivocation."

James, who had praised his opponent, Donna Edwards, for her initial opposition to the bailout, was disappointed by her capitulation later in the week. "There were a lot of people who worked very hard for her in the primary who were devastated by this vote. Some of them are beginning to give my campaign a look."

Bailey's approach has remained consistent throughout his campaign. "If you're happy with how things are going in Washington," says the 54-year-old businessman, "then vote for the other guy. If not, you may want to consider voting for me." The "other guy" in the race happens to be House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving House member in Maryland history. But Bailey believes that Hoyer's votes for unconstitutional bills like FISA and the bailout gives his campaign a boost, as Bailey has maintained his opposition to such legislation. "Congress must balance the budget without raising taxes," said Bailey.

Hargadon's campaign will join with Matthews in airing anti-bailout radio ads on WBAL this week. "My opponent, Elijah Cummings, can talk the talk with the best of them, but when it comes down to his vote, he sells out his constituents for special interests," said Hargadon. "Actions speak louder than words, and my constituents will know I represent them by the votes I make."

All four campaigns joined together in dedicating this event to the memory of Patrick Citroni, who was Richard Matthews' campaign manager, but died tragically in a motorcycle accident on September 18th. Said Matthews, "Patrick was a tireless worker for liberty. It was his idea to bring Ron Paul to the state of Maryland, and to bring all four candidates together. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see it come to fruition, but we honor him by making it happen."

Hotline for latest information:
(240)744-7446

Shared event e-mail address:
Ron.Paul.10-09-08.Event@richardmatthews.org

Candidates websites and contact information:

Richard Matthews (MD-CD2)
http://www.richardmatthews.org
rich@richardmatthews.org

Peter James (MD-CD4)
http://www.peterjames08.com
Just-Money@comcast.net

Collins Bailey (MD-CD5)
http://www.baileyforuscongress.com
charles@baileyforuscongress.com

Mike Hargadon (MD-CD7)
http://www.hargadonforuscongress.com
adam@hargadonforuscongress.com