Reflections on My Campaign as a Republican

Since the election, many people have asked me what I thought about running for Congress as a Republican? I write down my reflections as a learning tool. This is not meant as a criticism of any group or person.

I wish to thank the Republican Party for allowing me to run as a Candidate for Congress in Maryland’s 7th district. I would specifically like to thank Jim Pelura. At the onset of our campaign, he had all the congressional candidates to the State Party office in Annapolis to provide us with contact information on state Party members, and a thorough description of our specific district. The last time I saw Jim, he was on a television report on election night standing in an empty ballroom explaining that some Republicans had lost their principles.

Of all the Republican groups that I had contact with, the Patapsco Valley Republican Club was the best. They allowed me to deliver my first stump speech at their meeting, and they didn’t hesitate to drill me on my positions. We did not agree on everything, but they invited me to share their booth at the Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival, invited me to address them at a Palin dinner, and contributed $500.00 to my campaign. They treated me like a real candidate!

I thank the Baltimore County, Howard County, and Baltimore City Central Committees for introducing me at most events. These polite introductions were important, but paled in comparison to the overflowing hype Andy Harris consistently received, whether in his district, Rich Matthew’s, or my district. He enjoyed an unmistakable push within the Party, which often times indirectly reflected poorly on any other Candidate who happened to be at that event.

Steve Wright from the Rt. 40 Republican Club has also become a great friend. He personally showed interest in my and other Republican Liberty Candidates’ campaigns. He went out of his way to make a place for us at the more formal Republican gatherings. Steve’s presence in College Park, at the public endorsement of five of the eight Congressional candidates by Congressman Ron Paul, was most appreciated. This event was also held to remember Patrick Citroni. Patrick loved the Republican Party. I am writing these reflections in hopes that in some small way they may help bring the party back to its principles.

Sometimes there seemed to be an uncomfortable distance between many of the loyal Republicans and the Republican Liberty Candidates. The Party might consider a vetting procedure before a candidate could run under the Republican label. This would allow an executive committee to quiz a potential candidate to possibly disassociate the Party from a candidate before he or she runs as a “Republican”. The Constitution Party vetted candidates when I was on their Executive Committee. It was just this procedure that opened my eyes to the problem that took me away from their ranks. I might also suggest a protocol, where candidates for federal office, who are known to be present at an affair, should be encouraged to speak before the crowd, even if just to introduce someone.

Moving forward, I would specifically suggest that the Maryland Republican Party:

* Attack McCain’s failings as a true Republican, and admit Ron Paul was correct.
* Position the Maryland Republican Party to be the friend of people who espouse principles of Personal Liberty, Sound Money, Humble Foreign Policy, and Limited Federal Government.
* Refuse to allow the main stream media to marginalize any candidate. The proudest moment I experienced as a Republican was during the Primary, when the New Hampshire Republicans pulled out of the sponsorship of the Fox debate, when Fox excluded Ron Paul. If we continue to allow the mass media to pick out candidates, shame on us!
* Identify those Neo-conservative personalities who wish to move the party away from its roots. Distance the State Party from their rhetoric
* Recognize that this new administration will be taking orders from the same international power junkies that ruled Bush. Be prepared to attack either national party when our military ventures, deficit spending, or loss of liberties escalate. The states, the state of Maryland’s Republican Party, needs to speak out for our constitutional republic. I pray Dr. Paul’s comment, “We have crossed the Rubicon”, is not the case.

In Liberty,

Mike Hargadon