Richard Matthews for Congress

Campaigning Hard for what is Important, Liberty, Peace and Prosperity

Richard Matthews — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:10:13 GMT

In December of 2007 I decided to contest in the Second District of Maryland not knowing what the path forward would bring, but confident that along the way I would find a positive outcome as long as I stuck to the principles that have made this country great. This was never about ambition or self promotion, but rather as a duty to my country to fight for the causes that are right and good, as described and defended in the Constitution. I have summed this up in my campaign slogan of Liberty, Peace and Prosperity.

Liberty is about being free to do whatever it is that one pleases so long as it does not infringe on one's neighbor's right to do the same. It is about being free from inspection of personal records and communication by one's government without probable cause of a crime. It is about being an American, and proud of it. The Patriot Act is an abomination that our founding fathers would have never stood for and needs to be repealed. The incumbent in this district voted with Bush to make this permanent.

Peace is about maintaining a strong defense of American territory and borders, while rejecting the adventurism of nation building. Future enemies are only created by meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. America is best served, and in this time of economic turmoil can only pay for, coming home from Iraq, reevaluating the hunt for Bin Laden (not doubling down), and by asking our allies to take a more active role in their own defense. The incumbent in this district voted with Bush to continue our presence in Iraq after we have achieved so much.

Prosperity can be returned to if we follow free market principles. Bailouts, loaned on the good name of taxpayers, should never go to those who took the wrong side of a risky bet. Congress, representing their constituents, have a much greater interest in properly pursing a low-inflation policy, but have less oversight of the system than they have over our most sensitive intelligence agencies. Also ripe for reform is our income tax system, which should start systemic simplification procedure first with our veterans military pay. The incumbent in this district can be expected to vote for the liberal agenda, raising taxes across the board.

Folks, I am an open book. I have posted how I would vote for every bill before congress in near real time on this campaign website. If elected, I will post on my congressional website, within 24 hours, not only my votes but also an explanation for why I voted as I did. As I tell constituents when campaigning, I’m a regular guy, I have a job in the regular economy, I pay a mortgage, I'm proud to be a dad, and I love my wife. I simply disagree with my congressman on his voting record, and I am running for Congress to throw these career incumbents out. My name is Richard Matthews, and I hope to earn your vote on Tuesday.

Press Release: 24 Hour GOTV Effort -- Schedule

richardmatthews.org — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:09:51 GMT

GOTV Event Schedule -- Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26

10:00AM - 12:00PM
Sign Waving
      Location: Intersections of York Road & Padonia Road, Timonium

12:30PM - 1:30PM
Sign Waving
     Location: Intersections of Loch Raven & Northern Ave, Towson

1:45PM - 2:10PM
   Goucher Field Hockey Game Meet / Greet
   Location: Goucher Ball Field -- Goucher University, Towson

2:45PM - 3:30PM
Sunset Elementary School Homecoming Meet / Greet
   Location: 8572 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena

4:00PM - 5:00PM
   Sign Waving
     Location: Intersections of Merriett Blvd & Wise Rd, Dundalk

5:30PM - 6:45PM
   Havre de Grace Meet / Greet
      Location: N. Washington St & Market Street, Havre de Grace

7:15PM - 7:45PM
   Dinner at Boulvard Diner
      Location: 1660 Merritt Blvd, Baltimore

8:00PM - 9:00PM
   Wal-mart Meet / Greet
      Location: 2399 N. Point Blvd, Dundalk

9:00PM - 9:30PM
Private Event

10:00PM - 10:30PM
   Maynard’s Café Concert
     Location: 3916 Hanover Street, Brooklyn 21225

11:00PM - 12:00AM
    Dundalk AMF Bowling Meet / Greet / Bowling
      Location: 1101 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk

12:15AM - 12:45AM
Denny’s Meet / Greet
     Location: 6302 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie

1:00AM - 1:30AM
   Lightning Jack’s Bar & Grill
   Location: 2801 Mountain Road, Pasadena

2:00AM - 2:30AM
Private Event

3:00AM - 5:00AM
Yard Sign Placement Campaign

5:00AM - 5:30AM
   Neighborhood Walk / Driveby
    Location: Ferndale -- Olan Road & Brighton Place, Glen Burnie

6:00AM - 7:30AM
   Chick-n-Ruth Breakfast
   Location: Main Street, Annapolis

7:30AM - 9:00AM
Private Event / Pasadena Community Breakfast Event

9:30AM - 10:00AM
    Anti-Incumbent Rally
      Location:  375 West Padonia Road, Timonium

   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT GARY COLLINS AT (443) 621 - 0566 OR GARY@RICHARDMATTHEWS.ORG. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPEN DOOR POLICY FOR ALL MEDIA OUTLETS.

Press Release: 24 Hour GOTV Effort

richardmatthews.org — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:41:44 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Gary M. Collins
Director of Operations
Richard Matthews for United States Congress Campaign
Direct: (443) 621 - 0566
Office: (410) 344 - 7522
Gary@richardmatthews.org
www.richardmatthews.org/press

Congressional Candidate Richard P. Matthews [R-2] Announces 24 Hour GOTV Effort

Pasadena, MD, October 24, 2008 -- Congressional Candidate Richard P. Matthews announced today that he and his team of supporters will be campaigning for a complete 24 hours. This effort will begin Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. “I hope that this event will show those that are voting for me and those that are dissatisfied with Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger’s nonchalant attitude that I will never stop working for Marylanders. No matter if it is 2 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon, it is my objective to listen and get things done while serving in the House of Representatives,” stated Matthews.

Matthews has posted information on his website in regards to this campaign initiative. His staff has also sent e-mail blasts and talked to a number of team volunteers. Matthews states, "This will be the biggest event of my campaign so far. I am positive that it will be highly successful and reach out to many voters".

Gary Collins, stated, “I have been overwhelmed by the amount responses I have received from those located in Havre de Grace, to concerned residents in Dundalk filled with excited about this event. They are excited to see a politician dedicate his entire weekend to further his cause and spread his message of liberty, peace, and prosperity.” Collins serves as the campaign’s Director of Operations.

This 24 hour ‘Get Out The Vote” initiative will begin with a sign waving event at the intersections of York Road and Padonia Road in Timonium, Maryland at 10:00 a.m. Matthews will draw this project to a close during a scheduled rally in the same community as Ruppersberger’s district office the following morning at 9:30 a.m.

A detailed schedule of events can be obtain through the “Press Release” section of the website later today or via the url: www.richardmatthews.org/press.

-- END --

Press Release: 24 Hour GOTV Effort

richardmatthews.org — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:42:57 GMT

24 Hour GOTV Event
Your Support is Needed

Beginning on Saturday, October 25, 2008, Richard Matthews will be leading his campaign team in an STRAIGHT 24 HOUR GOTV EFFORT!

Team Matthews will begin campaigning at 10:00 am on Saturday morning and conclude with a rally in the neighborhood of his opponent's Congressional Office in Timonium on Sunday at 9:30 am. The time between will be jammed packed with events!!!

For more information or to volunteer for this event, please contact Gary Collins at (443) 621 - 0566 or gary@richardmatthews.org

***Team Matthews will be campaigning throughout Legislative District 2. There is sure to be an event scheduled for your area!***

Matthews and his team hopes to have you come out and support this historical 24 hour GOTV effort!

Guest appearance October 16th at 5pm on WBAL's Ron Smith Show

Richard Matthews — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:50:02 GMT

The Matthews campaign is excited to see more and more coverage in local media as election day draws near. My schedule has been jam packed over the last week with media interviews. Today I will be the guest from 5pm - 6pm EDT on the Ron Smith Show, WBAL 1090 AM in the Baltimore area. This is truly an honor as he is one of my most admired local media personalities. If you cannot tune in over the air you also may listen online via http://www.wbal.com/shows/smith/. Click on Listen Live in the upper left corner.

Register to Vote Today!!

Gary Collins — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:08:02 GMT

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

October 14, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote with the Maryland Board of Elections. This is going to be a close election, so make sure your vote counts!

To register, or to assure that you're ready to go on Election Day, check out the Maryland Board of Elections website.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Interested in volunteering for Election Day?

Contact:
Gary M. Collins
Director of Operations
(443) 621 - 0566
gary@richardmatthews.org

Press Release: Ron Paul to Publicly Endorse Maryland Republican Congressional Candidates

richardmatthews.org — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:19:48 GMT

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.

Welcome WBAL listeners

Richard Matthews — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:45:12 GMT

Richard Matthews for United States Congress is happy to announce our extended Radio campaign on WBAL radio. We do need assistance keeping ads like these on the air, everyday from now until November 4th. Please assist with your generious contribution via our on-line form, Located in the upper right of our site.

With your help, we can hold the establishment accountable in Washington, vote the bums out!

It's not a bailout, Huh?

Richard Matthews — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:20:26 GMT

Ruppersberger - "It's not a bailout"

Dutch Ruppersberger voted YES to bailout Wall Street.

As quoted from the Baltimore Sun’s Dan Rodricks blog http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/rodricks/blog/2008/09/dutch_its_not_a_bailout.html Dutch Ruppersberger just got five minutes with Shepard Smith on Fox News, defended the $700 billion bailout, saying it was an investment in the nation's future, and he closed out his interview by saying, "It's not a bailout." Smith kind of snickered at that statement, saying, "Not a bailout, huh?" Dutch voted for the measure and pledged to keep working for its passage. Today the American people through their Representatives spoke against amazing pressure from all corners of power against a bailout plan for Wall Street. I fail to understand how Dutch can justify his position. This plan, would have had our government buy “toxic” “assets” that essentially are worthless. There is an argument that these “toxic” “assets” will maybe be worth something over time, and possibly even turn a profit. Regardless of that unlikely argument, it is morally repugnant to use tax dollars, which are funds citizens are REQUIRED to remit, on risk bearing “investments.” Those who willingly took risk investing in these “toxic” “assets”, those who would profit if they rose in value, must also bear the down side position of their investment. Direct government intervention in markets, assigning arbitrary values to assets or goods, is an anathema to our free market system. This economic system has made America great and is what I am dedicated to defending. As part of my campaign stump speech I have so many times mentioned my passion for our free market system in relation to our taxes. I point out that our current tax code, full of deductions, credits and alterative taxes is comparable to a top down management of the economy, similar to the “five year plan” of the Soviet system. This taxation system allows Congress the ability to extend their power far into the realm of the blatantly unconstitutional, encouraging this and discouraging that via economic manipulation rather than overt regulation. One year Congress will subsidize the purchase Large SUVs, the next environmentally friendly hybrid cars. This insanity needs to come to an end. I support any proposal that will scrap our current IRS system and replace it with simplicity. Congress's economic manipulation in the macro markets of Wall Street and the micro markets of your family's checkbook need to END. Congressman Ruppersberger is disconnected with reality as evident by his quotes above. Let us take our Congress back this November, throw these elites out and vote in regular folks who can understand an unprecedented bailout when he sees one. Please call Dutch Ruppersberger’s office tomorrow and ask him, if it wasn’t a bailout bill that failed yesterday, what do you call shoving 700 billion dollars towards Wall Street in exchange for assets that have no value? I call it Socialism. Yes, I am thankful that Socialism failed, for at least one more day.

Wall Street Banker Protection Plan of 2008

Richard Matthews — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:10:19 GMT

"I will deal with my alcoholism later," a drunk will plead, "what I need now is another drink!" This ridiculous comment would be funny if it wasn’t such a tragic reality for so many families. Likewise the Wall Street bailout plan being discussed in Washington avoids the issues of economic reform for an approach that simply builds the dike higher without relieving the pressure on the system. Main Street America is speaking loudly. Some polls are showing that up to 90% of Americans do not support this bailout plan, yet this Congress is insisting on moving this bill forward. A GOP congressman reported that calls are coming in 300-1 against this plan. A Democrat Congressman reported this morning that calls were coming into his office 50/50 regarding the plan. 50% were "NO", 50% were "HELL NO". I personally called Congress yesterday morning, and found all circuits busy to the Capital switchboard. Richard Matthews will not, nor will ever be in favor of bailing out Wall Street “fat cats” using the funds of hard working American taxpayers. This plan will sink our Government deeper in debt and reward, instead of punish, the bad behavior responsible for this mess. A great systemic fraud was perpetrated on the American people. Those who orchestrated it need to see the inside of a jail cell, not the silk of a golden parachute. Please Call Congressman Ruppersberger to register your displeasure with this “Plan” to fleece the American Tax Payer DC Phone: 202-225-3061 1730 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-2002 The Matthews campaign is planning to run full force in the coming days highlighting the misrepresentation of our district’s constituents. Please help us with the ammunition needed to present our opposition to the voter with a generous contribution TODAY to the Matthews for Congress campaign. We plan to appeal directly to the voter with these issues next week! http://www.richardmatthews.org/donate

Patrick J. Citroni

Richard Matthews — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:17:36 GMT

A good man is no longer with us. I regret to inform that my friend, ally and campaign manager, Patrick J. Citroni was struck down in a motorcycle accident yesterday morning. He was on his way to assist with another campaign at their sign waving event, before going to work as a mortgage broker in the morning. I have only known Patrick for one year, but it feels like he has been my friend for so much longer. He and I met while campaigning during the Presidential primaries. His energy, passion and sincere belief in our cause, was not just boundless, but it was also infectious to everyone surrounding him. At 29 years Patrick had discovered a sincere passion and skill for politics. You will be dearly missed, and not replaceable my friend. I would say, rest in peace Patrick, but I know his soul does not rest. He will be fighting to make even the world beyond this one a better place.

More pictures available if you click Read Full Post in the right hand corner.

UPDATE 10:30PM Friday the 19th

Please Read Full Post for details on services to be held this Sunday and Monday.

Please read this moving account of Patrick and the many comment pouring in from those who knew him at the Campaign for Liberty

Richard Matthews endorsed by Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul

Richard Matthews — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:59:38 GMT

The Matthews campaign has been working hard to spread the message of Liberty, Peace, & Prosperity. Many of our friends who supported Congressman Ron Paul’s Presidential run have joined in our efforts. We are extremely proud to announce that Congressman Ron Paul has endorsed our run for Congress.

Richard shares my interest in lowering taxes, reducing the size of the federal government, bringing our troops home, and protecting the civil liberties of Americans. Richard will work to strengthen the power and independence of State and Local Governments by reducing the federal stranglehold over them. Richard will work hard for the citizens of Maryland. He will bring a fresh voice to the House of Representatives. I encourage all Marylanders of the Second Congressional District to vote for Liberty, Peace, & Prosperity; vote for Richard Matthews.

- Congressman Ron Paul

Press Release: Richard Matthews endorsed by Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul

richardmatthews.org — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:58:23 GMT

- Congressman Ron Paul

The Risk of Entangling Alliances

Richard Matthews — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:26:41 GMT

Thomas Jefferson upon his inauguration recommended peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.

The threats of the modern world do change and sometimes call for signs of solidarity such as the NATO alliance. Created after the Second World War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's policy where an attack on one is considered an attack on all, made it clear that the free nations of the western world would defend any aggression vigorously and immediately. NATO was the answer for the very real threat posed by the Soviets. Anchored by America, a strong case can be made that NATO prevented World War III.

However, in this century, stubborn expansion of NATO could very well be the cause of World War IV. The nation of Georgia, a former state of the Soviet Union and birthplace of Joseph Stalin, is on a pathway to membership in NATO. Extending promises of mutual protection to countries so far away from any reasoned definition of the "North Atlantic" and greatly at risk of boarder disputes and internal conflict is unwise. If this month's military action in the Caucuses instead took place two or three years in the future, America could very well find itself in a shooting war with Russia, something every President since Truman has wisely taken great pains to avoid.

I take seriously the advice of our third President. Alliances such as one with Georgia could entangle the United States in a war that we neither want nor are well prepared to fight. On a world stage that differs considerably from the middle of the twentieth century, we should reevaluate the numerous alliances that we are currently in, the deployment of our forces in over 130 nations, and the purpose of NATO. With a stressed economy and military 100% utilized, we cannot afford to look for new dragons to slay by further extending our commitments to far flung regions of the world.

Press Release: Richard Matthews endorsed by John Leopold, Anne Arundel County Executive

richardmatthews.org — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:41:56 GMT

In a statement released Friday August 15th 2008 County Executive John Leopold from Anne Arundel County, MD is pleased to support Richard Matthews, Congressional candidate for the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland. "Richard shares my interest in working to lower taxes and reduce wasteful spending by government at all levels.”

Press Release: Richard Matthews endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus

richardmatthews.org — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:55:02 GMT

The Republican Liberty Caucus National Board of Directors approved an endorsement for Richard Matthews in Maryland's Second Congressional District. The Republican Liberty Caucus exists to promote individual liberty, limited government, and free enterprise within the Republican Party by promoting these ideals among Party officials and its various organizations, identifying and supporting candidates sympathetic with these ideals, and promoting Caucus membership among Republican Party registrants, officials, and officeholders. In addition to recruiting and endorsing candidates, the RLC publishes a national newsletter and works with local activists in all 50 states to restore core Republican principles that have been lost in recent years.

Press Release: Cold Beer isn't the only thing that goes good with Maryland Crabs... Politics does too!

richardmatthews.org — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:09:41 GMT

On August 9th Richard and his wife Wendy welcomed supporters, volunteers, and donors to their home to take part in the favorite past time of Marylanders. A good ole fashioned Crab Feast! The crabs were great, the beer was cold, and the camaraderie was superb. With the money raised we will continue spreading our message of Liberty, Peace, & Prosperity.

YouTube Commercial

Richard Matthews — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:51:37 GMT

This is just a quick notice to let you in on our first YouTube commercial. Please enjoy and forward to your friends.

$28 for 28 years, Birthday

Richard Matthews — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:18:57 GMT

Matthews for Congress Supporters, I thank you for you generous support of my campaign to re-energize Congress with the principles of our founding fathers, such as a limited Federal government, not meddling in the affairs of other nations, and prosperous trade inside and outside our borders. We are the energetic and principled campaign in this race and we can win, with your help. Many have asked me what I would like for my birthday. Honestly, right now I have everything a man could ask for. I have a beautiful and supportive wife, Wendy. We had our first child a month and a half ago, Anna Rose. She is healthy, active and melts her father's heart when she quivers her lower lip when crying for a bottle. I am thankful to have a good job that keeps a nice roof over our head. And of course I am lucky enough to live in and raise my family in the greatest nation on the face of the earth. What more could a man want? Answer, to win a seat in Congress and you can help me get there! Right now we are looking to buy a large order of yard signs. We can obtain significant savings if we order in quantities of 1000. We have a quote that we would like to act on in the first half of this month for about $2800 for these 1000 signs. I would like to ask you to contribute $28 today as a birthday gift to help us buy these signs. Nothing is more effective to gain name recognition in a local election than signs. Conveniently you can contribute on the campaign website at www.richardmatthews.org/donate . On the contribution form please enter project code "birthday"

Independence Day

Richard Matthews — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:43:08 GMT

Just a quick note: so far as of 7:30 PM we have received $560 from twelve contributors at the Freedomslate08 money bomb for liberty loving candidates. Thank-you for the support. We also enjoyed the Dundalk Independence Day Parade this morning. Many thanks go out to my cousin Jon and campaign manager Patrick for their great work in building the float late into the night! Our success at the Parade today is owed to them. Now to some grilling and crabs. Wendy and I are having about 30 people over today for our annual Independence Day Party. Check in again, I will update this page a few more times today.