Reminder about your invitation from Craig Shipp

2011-05-25T04:33:00.001-04:00

Dear FrederickGOP,

This is a reminder that on May 19, Craig Shipp sent you an invitation to become part of his or her professional network at LinkedIn.

Follow this link to accept Craig Shipp's invitation.

https://www.linkedin.com/e/-fte3ml-go40om13-2b/doi/2940264242/oCbRFyrB/gir_589633587_0/EML-inv_17_rem/

Signing up is free and takes less than a minute.

On May 19, Craig Shipp wrote:

> To: FrederickGOP Blog [craigshipp.frederickGOP7@blogger.com]
> From: Craig Shipp [craigshipp@gmail.com]
> Subject: Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

> FrederickGOP,
>
> I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
>
> - Craig

The only way to get access to Craig Shipp's professional network on LinkedIn is through the following link:

https://www.linkedin.com/e/-fte3ml-go40om13-2b/doi/2940264242/oCbRFyrB/gir_589633587_0/EML-inv_17_rem/

You can remove yourself from Craig Shipp's network at any time.

--------------

Frederick Tea Party April 18, 2011

2011-04-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

Is Government TOO BIG?

2010-10-25T10:46:00.001-04:00

Blaine Young Endorses Senator Alex X. Mooney

2010-10-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

So you say you LOVE taxes? Here's the set for you.

2010-09-21T15:11:00.000-04:00

I Am America - Krista Branch!

2010-09-04T09:18:00.003-04:00

For info go to:
http://www.kristabranch.com/
Share I AM AMERICA with your family and friends.

Sarah Palin at Restoring Honor Rally (four parts)

2010-08-29T09:27:00.003-04:00

Just 99 days...Senator Alex X. Mooney

2010-07-26T06:52:00.001-04:00

26 July 2010

Did you know there are just 99 days left until the election on November 2nd?

Since we kicked off the campaign, I have knocked on thousands of door and campaigned tirelessly with the help of many wonderful volunteers. Campaigns attracts volunteers who invest their time and efforts in making sure their candidate is successful, and I want to tell you about a few of my volunteers:

Howie and Elyssa are both law school students who understand that we need conservative leaders in Annapolis to fight for our values. Howie spends his free weekends knocking on doors with me in Frederick and Washington Counties, and Elyssa worked with her mother, Dr. Lourdes Orta, to ensure our "Women for Mooney" event was a great success.

Mary and Molly are retirees living in Frederick County who understand many hands make light work. They have spent hours addressing letters and stuffing envelopes for various mail projects. Their friendly conversation attracts many who stop by the headquarters to pick up signs or talk about the race.

Sasha expressed interest in the campaign before the end of Session, and she has faithfully worked in our office for weeks, completing various projects and addressing important issues.

David is a high school student who wants to get involved in politics. I am glad that he chose to join my campaign. He is a bright young man and is great to have around the office.

These are just a few of the people who have invested long hours and many weeks into this campaign, and I am grateful for their commitment. In any campaign, though, there are always more tasks than volunteers, and I encourage you to join our campaign today in any way that you can to see to it that we are successful in November. E-mail Kathy, our volunteer coordinator, today to get involved: kathy@alexmooney.com.

If you can't invest your time in our campaign, I ask that you contribute $100, $50, or $25 today. Every dollar goes toward spreading our campaign's message of limited government and economic prosperity.

Remember: We're just 99 days from the election. Every hour or dollar invested helps. I encourage you to get involved where you can. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Senator Alex X. Mooney

Frederick and Washington Counties

1705 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701

RCS_8230 - Kelly Schulz with Dino Flores

2010-07-25T22:03:00.001-04:00

RCS_8230 - Kelly Schulz with Dino Flores, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

For video see: www.frederick.com/Blaine_Young_AMVETS_picnic-a-1578.html

RCS_7789 - Kelly Schulz Thurmont Parade

2010-07-23T13:03:00.001-04:00

RCS_7789 - Kelly Schulz Thurmont Parade, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

For video see: www.frederick.com/Thurmont_Parade_2010-a-1576.html

RCS_7919 - Sheriff Chuck Jenkins

2010-07-23T13:01:00.001-04:00

RCS_7919 - Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

For video see: www.frederick.com/Thurmont_Parade_2010-a-1576.html

RCS_7097 - Sheriff Frederick County

2010-07-20T14:08:00.001-04:00

RCS_7097 - Sheriff Frederick County, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

For video see: www.frederick.com/Sheriff_Chuck_Jenkins_2010-a-1571.html
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Frederick County, Maryland (right)

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins 2010

2010-07-18T22:24:00.001-04:00

Special 4th of July Message Mike Hough

2010-07-02T23:12:00.000-04:00

A message for the 4th of July from Michael Hough on Vimeo.

Bob Ehrlich Announces Lieutenant Governor Pick

2010-07-01T20:44:00.000-04:00

RCS_3626 - Tax payer funded candy!

2010-06-09T09:10:00.001-04:00

RCS_3626 - Tax payer funded candy!, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

Do tax payers really want to pay for candy to be given out?

RCS_3616 = Go Green Energy Conference

2010-06-07T14:57:00.001-04:00

RCS_3616 = Go Green Energy Conference, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

For video clips see: http://www.frederick.com/Go_Green_Energy_Conference-a-1514.html

Senator David Brinkley 2010

2010-05-23T19:49:00.001-04:00

RCS_2256 - Senator David Brinkley, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

Friends and supporters of Senator David Brinkley gathered at the Linganore Wine Cellars to kick off the Senator's re-election campaign. Click Here for videos!

RCS_8061 - Frederick Tea Party

2010-04-15T20:36:00.001-04:00

RCS_8061 - Frederick Tea Party, originally uploaded by CraigShipp.com Photos - Events / People / Places.

Scott Brown Family Photo

2010-01-20T15:31:00.001-05:00

GAIL025, originally uploaded by State Senator Scott Brown.

US Senate candidate Scott Brown -WINS!

2010-01-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

2009-10-20T13:55:00.000-04:00

Wow, you guys have done a great job supporting the Tea Party movement there in Frederick! I am one of the organizers of the Northern Virginia Tea Party and we are going to have a special event in your area on November 11 at the Freedom Leadership Conference at the Cozy Inn and Conference Center in Thurmont, Maryland. We are co-sponsors of this annual regional conference. It is a steal at $25 advance registration and $30 at the door and includes buffet luncheon. Price goes up after November 2nd.

Agenda of Freedom Leadership Conference
The direction of US public policy issues will be examined at the Freedom Leadership Conference, to be held November 11, 2009 near Camp David, several conservative cause organizations will gather in conjunction with the 7th Annual “Freedom Leadership Conference” of conservative organizations. The first three conferences were organized in southern California as the “Western Conservative Conference.” One conference was held in Miami, Florida. & Panama City, Panama. This will be the 3rd annual meeting near the Presidential Retreat at Camp David, MD. The United States Public Policy Council has been a founding organizer & continues as a primary sponsor of this annual conference.

Several public policy organizations at this 7th Annual Leadership Conference will provide issue briefings and will encourage audience comment and questions. Writer Quin Hillyer will end the conference with the reading of the new “Thurmont Statement” to summarize conservative-cause principles. Attendees may sign the statement if they agree with it (see website). Limited seating. Register now.

I hope to see you there!

Ron Wilcox
Organizer
Northern Virginia Tea Party

Flip Flop “Roads Commissioner”

2009-09-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

Flip Flop “Roads Commissioner”

(Brunswick, Maryland) Frederick County Commissioner Charles Jenkins, who proclaimed himself the “Roads Commissioner” in the 2002 election, recently said the following about improvements to I-270 “workers who now make the drive won’t see the benefits of the state plans in their working careers.”

Jenkins made similar comments this summer, after voting to divert $500 million from road construction to the purple line in Montgomery County, stating, “If somebody is 45 years old now and commuting down 270, it's probably safe to say they'll be retired by the time it's done."

Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 3B), said “It is total unacceptable to the thousands of commuters from Frederick County that I-270 will not be widened for at least another 20 years.” Hough continued “We need leaders who will vote to fix our roads now and not send our tax dollars to another mass transit project. It is wrong that Jenkins would run on the issue of roads and then after being elected throw his hands up in the air and give up on this important issue.”

Flip Flop Charlie’s reversal goes along with his recent flip flops on the Incinerator, the Purple Line, property taxes, and funding for a embryonic stem cell research company.

###

www.houghfordelegate.com

Authority Hough for Delegate, Joseph Craw, Treasurer

Take Back America Frederick

2009-09-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

For more information visit http://FrederickTeaParty.com

ACORN Baltimore Prostitution Investigation

2009-09-11T10:43:00.000-04:00

Washington, DC ACORN Video: Child Prostitution advice

2009-09-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

National Health Plan

2009-08-27T16:04:00.001-04:00

1) Give all doctors and nurses full immunity from law suits.
2) Suspend all income taxes for doctors and nurses.
3) Get rid of all health insurance.
4) Doctors and nurses will be rated for quality on various websites.
5) All health care will be cash and carry.
6) Those who can not pay and have no assets will turn to a national fund that will only disperse money direct to doctors or hospitals.
7) Doctors will not need to fill out forms or deal with insurance companies in any way.

This system will encourage more students to become doctors. With more doctors there will be more supply of services and therefore competition and lower prices. Also, if people are paying out of pocket there will be less unnecessary care.

This plan should be able to be implemented in a short time frame and costs for care would drop fast!

The cost to the tax payer would be low and limited to the national fund that is used only for those who can not pay. Those who use the national fund may be required to pay the fund back if able at a later date.

Think about the results if this plan was put in place: 1) More Doctors and therefore more supply of health care; 2) With more supply costs come down; 3) Fewer costs of operation for the doctors and therefore lower costs overall.

Yes, the Lawyers and insurance companies are out of luck and can no longer feed on health care but this means 100% of our health care dollars can actually go to care and not unneeded overhead.

Below is audio from my call into WFMD's Frederick's Forum:

Listen!

Listen!

Ben Cardin - Hagerstown Town Hall Meeting

2009-08-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Town Hall Coverage:
http://frederick.com/Senator_Ben_Cardin_Town_Hall_Meeting_Hagerstown-a-1256.html

Maryland Job Creation Plan

2009-07-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

Hough Releases Maryland Job Creation Plan
(Brunswick, Maryland) Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 3B), released a Job Creation and Economic Recovery Plan today. Michael believes high taxes and overregulation are destroying jobs in Maryland and sending employers to other states. “We need to cut taxes, cut government red tape for small business owners, and work to create private-sector jobs,” said Hough.

Cut Taxes

Roll back the O’Malley tax increases

Create Private-Sector Jobs

Competitively bid out non-essential government services to the private-sector

Cut Red Tape for Business Owners

Establish a Business Ombudsman to assist businesses with regulations and to report on how government agencies work with businesses

Review all existing occupational licensing requirements and eliminate unnecessary ones

Exempt small businesses from unnecessary regulations

Tax Credits

$500 tax credit on unemployment taxes for hiring a worker who has been on unemployment for more than 60 days

$1,200 income tax credit for employers who keep previously unemployed workers for more than 12 months

“Instead of increasing taxes and government spending or having the government pick winners and losers by giving funds to one or two companies—we need to create an environment where entrepreneurs can start a business and companies will be encouraged to come to Maryland and stay,” stated Hough.

###
www.houghfordelegate.com

Authority Hough for Delegate, Joseph A. Craw, Treasurer

Flip Flop Charlie

2009-05-21T00:47:00.001-04:00

May 20, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Hough
Phone: 240-405-7098
Email: michael@houghfordelegate.com

Flip Flop Charlie

(Frederick, Maryland) Frederick County Commissioner Charles Jenkins has accomplished a major political feat, not achievable by most mild mannered politicians, by totally changing his position on two major issues in the same week.

First Charles voted correctly against raising property taxes, after previously voting wrongly the last two years to raise property taxes on struggling homeowners in Frederick County. Then Charles stated to the Gazette on May 20, 2009 (Trip to Pa. Convinces Jenkins that Frederick Should Build Incinerator) he would now vote to build a trash incinerator in Frederick County, three weeks after he voted against the incinerator. This means he was for the incinerator, before he was against it, before he was for it.

Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates stated, “We need leaders who will make decisions based on conviction rather than sticking their finger in the air and voting whichever way the political wind is blowing. The citizens of Frederick County deserve consistent leadership instead of constant flip flopping. Congratulations for flipping the right way on taxes after being wrong, but can you flip back on incinerator because now you are wrong.

###

Donate

www.houghfordelegate.com

Authority Hough for Delegate, Joseph A. Craw, Treasurer

Getting Started!

2009-05-07T20:12:00.001-04:00

Greetings from a bill signing in Annapolis. I am just getting started with this so stay tuned for more to come!

Joe Bartlett

Time to feel the power of the Internet!

2009-05-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner 2009

2009-04-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

Photos on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/areaguides/sets/72157617406946685/

T.E.A. Party

2009-04-14T01:21:00.000-04:00

Let me ask you a question. How old are you? Are you old enough to remember Nikita Kruschev banging his shoe on the table at the U.N.? If so, do you also remember he said that communism would take over America? Not by brutal force, but by quiet and smooth infiltration into the most important sectors of our society. That would be our schools and our government. Well, I am old enough to remember those days when we feared communism. The days of rehearsing bomb drills and wondering if we were going to have a "next day". Now I know that Mr. Kruschev was right, at least up until this point in time.

We must recognize that we are about to become a different nation than we were originally intended to be. Socialism is just another way of saying communism and no matter how you say it or what you call it, that is where we are headed.

On April 15, 2009 we, as a mostly silent majority, must come together in our communities across this great Country of ours and stand up for HER. Lets take Her back. She belongs to us and we can no longer afford to allow liberal, communist, low-life, freedom hating, baby-killing, dope smoking, Military-hating "progressives" to run our lives. All I want is my AMERICA back. The way She was in all her glory. Who cares what other countries think? When we were there to save those countries, they loved us. If they don't want to remember that then so be it. Let's get out there on April 15 and show not only our politicians we don't need them or want them but let's show the rest of the world that we are BACK!!!

Internet powers elections!

2009-02-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

Here's more proof the Frederick GOP should take advantage of FrederickGOP.com:
http://valleywag.gawker.com/5156552/how-many-web-gurus-did-it-take-to-elect-obama

Michael Hough Takes exception to Clagett's claims

2008-11-18T19:00:00.001-05:00

Takes exception to Clagett's claims
Originally published November 18, 2008

In his commentary "O'Malley, Dems taking heat unfairly," Delegate Galen Clagett argues that Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Democrat-controlled Maryland General Assembly have adequately controlled government spending, and the recently enacted $1.4 billion tax is alleviating the state's budget deficit.

On his first point, O'Malley has in fact increased government spending. According to the non-partisan Maryland Department of Legislative Services, the governor's first budget increased spending by 5.6 percent and his second budget increased spending by 3.7 percent. It's also important to note that O'Malley raided $1 billion from the state's rainy day fund to fund his first budget.

On Clagett's second point, O'Malley is trying to dig out of a budget deficit by obtaining a larger tax shovel. The Maryland Comptroller's Office has already projected that the revenue gains from the tax increases will be almost $500 million less than expected. In fact, income tax, sales tax, and tobacco tax revenues are all down. To quote Ronald Reagan, "When you tax something, you get less of it."

The lesson we can learn from this is: High tax rates discourage consumer spending, business production, and ultimately lead to decreased tax revenues.

Michael Hough

Brunswick

Authority Hough for Delegate, JoeyLynn Hough, Treasurer

We Could Learn Something from the Dems

2008-11-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

Check out the way Obama used the Internet:
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/

Sen. Biden and Rep. Murtha in Johnstown, PA

2008-10-27T11:13:00.000-04:00

GOP is not properly leveraging the Internet

2008-10-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

When will the GOP wake up?

I've been saying for years the GOP is not properly leveraging the Internet. Take a look at the examples below and you'll see what I mean.

Compare:

On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/barackobama

http://twitter.com/johnmccain

On MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/johnmccain

http://www.myspace.com/barackobama

Also at right are Facebook search screen shots. The Obama supporter list went on and on. The GOP list was three Facebook supporter sites.

The above are three major social network sites on the Internet and the story is the same everywhere you look the Democrats are doing a much better job using the Internet. Sad story!

Heritage Foundation LIVE

2008-10-23T13:29:00.001-04:00

The AreaGuides.com Network has added the Heritage Foundation LIVE feed to all its websites. see: http://frederick.com/Heritage_Foundation_LIVE-a-479.html

Joe Biden: Terrorists Will Test Obama

2008-10-21T15:09:00.000-04:00

Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live

2008-10-19T11:32:00.000-04:00

Also see Sarah Palin on http://USCute.com

Laura Ingraham and Bill O'Reilly

2008-10-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

Click Here to watch the video!

Presidential Debate from Oct. 15, 2008

2008-10-16T23:28:00.000-04:00

Vice Presidential Debate Oct 2, 2008

2008-10-16T23:26:00.001-04:00

Now the Saturday Night LIVE version:

Fundraiser at the home of Mike and Jo Bowersox

2008-10-15T10:21:00.000-04:00

Fundraiser at the home of Mike and Jo Bowersox

Date:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
6:30pm

Address:
7935 Wormans Mill Road
Frederick, Maryland 21701

You are invited to join us at the home of Mike and Jo Bowersox for a fundraising event for Michael Hough, Candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (Frederick and Washington Counties).

Tickets are $100 per person. Please make checks payable to Hough for Delegate. If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution, you can send it to: Hough for Delegate 143 Fiona Way Brunswick, MD 21758.

Please RSVP no later than Monday October 27, 2008. For more information, you may contact me at 240-405-7098, or via email at michael@houghfordelegate.com.

For more information and driving directions, please visit the event page on my website.

Sincerely,

Michael Hough

Candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates
District 3B Frederick & Washington Counties
Chairman, Frederick County Republican Central Committee

Authority Hough for Delegate, JoeyLynn Hough, Treasurer

Slots in Maryland

2008-10-08T15:20:00.000-04:00

The best way to curb gambling and, at-the-same-time, bring more money into the Maryland economy is to allow gaming to come into the state and NOT tax the money that is won or lost. This way the payouts could be much higher than nearby states and gamblers would travel to Maryland to spend their money on dining, hotels and other needs while they are here. The result would be less gambling over time as government would not be profiting or aggressively promoting it.

Did Obama Really Say That?

2008-10-04T02:16:00.000-04:00

Something was said during the last Presidential candidate debate that I believe is very important to bring to light. Not having heard anyone comment on this statement or "mis-statement", I started thinking maybe it wasn't really said. After finding the transcript and trudging through it, there it was. Candidate Obama indeed referred to America as a "shining beacon on the hill". OUCH!!

Being a Reagan Republican, that really hurts. I would love to say to Senator Obama that we Republicans do not care for a liberal democrat to try and quote a great President, and if you do, at least get it right. It was in President Reagan's Farewell Address to this great Nation that he referred to The United States as "The Shining City On The Hill". That's "CITY" not "BEACON". If Obama needs to use the words of Republicans, maybe he's a little more confused than we thought.

Cali Lewis LIVE on Bailout Plan

2008-10-02T23:39:00.000-04:00

Live Broadcasting by Ustream

RE Slots from Senator Alex X. Mooney

2008-10-01T14:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Supporter,

Conservative Republicans should be outraged by Martin O'Malley's slots boondoggle. I've always been opposed to expanding gambling because, like so many of us, I think it is the wrong way to balance our budget or supposedly fund education. But, it's important to point out that this is not - I repeat NOT - Bob Ehrlich's slots plan that some of my Republican colleagues supported. This is a big government liberal slots plan that will do nothing to solve Maryland's budget crisis.

This weekend, I was on Bob and Kendel Ehrlich's radio show that was devoted to slots. Gov. Ehrlich made his opposition to this Constitutional amendment clear, saying, "What people need to understand is, this is not my bill; this is not even anywhere close to my bill. And I'm very fearful that this bill is bad policy."

We must oppose enshrining slot machine gambling into our Constitution!

Do you trust the liberal insiders in Annapolis with slots? I sure don't. Recent polling suggests that the fate of the slots referendum is in the hands of Republicans. Democrats are split on the issue and the polling says that we Republicans are giving O'Malley and his liberal friends in Annapolis the margin of victory they need to pass their big government slots plan and increase wasteful government spending.

We've got to spread the word that slots are morally bankrupt and we've got to make sure that our fellow Republicans know that this isn't Bob Ehrlich's slots plan. This is a big government far left liberal power grab and we've got to stop it. Time and again, Annapolis insiders have made big government promises that they can't keep. It's what's gotten our state into the fiscal mess we're in and their slots plan won't fix it. It's fiscally irresponsible and it enshrines gambling into our Constitution - a place where gambling should never be.

We've got to turn the tide and stop O'Malley's big government slots scheme!

If you want to stop slot machines in Maryland, I hope you'll get involved with the bipartisan coalition Marylanders United to Stop Slots. They are a broad based coalition that includes both Democrats and Republicans like Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, myself, the House Republican Caucus, and our conservative friends at the Red Maryland blog and the Maryland Taxpayers Association. It's time for Democrats and Republicans to come together to stop Martin O'Malley's big government slots plan!

I urge you to sign up and join Marylanders United to Stop Slots - make a contribution if you can - and, together, we can stop O'Malley's slots boondoggle.

DEFEAT MARTIN O'MALLEY'S BIG GOVERNMENT SLOTS PLAN! JOIN WITH MARYLANDERS UNITED TO STOP SLOTS TODAY!

Thanks so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Senator Alex X. Mooney, Maryland

Michael Hough in the The Washington Times

2008-10-01T11:52:00.000-04:00

Here is an article I wrote that appeared in the Washington Times today. I thought you may enjoy it.

--Michael Hough

The Washington Times

Article URL: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/constitutional-elections/

Constitutional Elections
Michael Hough
Wednesday, October 1, 2008

COMMENTARY:

Every four years about this time, news stories start to appear about the Electoral College, the constitutionally established system we use to elect the president of the United States. Invariably, pundits use this season to lambaste and ignore the important role the Electoral College plays in preserving our republic. Recently the attacks have gotten worse and they have even convinced four states (Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois and Hawaii) to enact legislation to do away with the Electoral College. Nationally, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida Democrat, has introduced legislation to abolish it.

But, before we discard the Electoral College, we need to understand its importance. As President Lyndon Johnson said of the Electoral College, "Our present system of computing and awarding electoral votes by States is an essential counterpart of our federal system and the provisions of our Constitution which recognize and maintain our nation as a Union of states."

The Electoral College emerged from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as compromise between delegates who wanted to directly elect the president and delegates who were worried about large states overpowering small states. As one delegate from Connecticut said, "[The people] will generally vote for some men in their own state, and the largest state will have the best chance."

To overcome this problem, the Founders created the current system that awards every state one elector for every U.S. senator and member of Congress from the state; plus the District of Columbia is awarded three electors. When voters go to the polls they are actually voting for the presidential electors and not the candidate. This system, while not perfect, ensures that less-populated states, like North Dakota with a population of 635,000 and three electoral college votes, is not totally overwhelmed during elections by a state like California with a population of more than 36 million and 55 electoral college votes. The system creates a balance because while California has 57 times the population of North Dakota, it only has 18 times more Electoral College votes.

President Ronald Reagan summed up the consequences for small states of scrapping the Electoral College when he said, "Presidential candidates would be tempted to aim their campaigns and their promises at a cluster of metropolitan areas in a few states and the smaller states would be without a voice."

The Electoral College also ensures the winning candidate, who must obtain 270 Electoral College votes, has a broad coalition of support from multiple regions of the country. If we were to adopt a direct election system in which the candidate receiving the most votes won, we could have a regional candidate like former segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace, who won five Southern states in 1968, win the election in a multiple-candidate race. It may seem far-fetched that a large democratic country would elect an extremist, but in 2002, France's perennial extremist candidate Jean-Marie LePen defeated then Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and garnered enough support to enter into a runoff with President Jacques Chirac. Mr. LePen had previously made statements downplaying the Holocaust and Nazism, but because he received 16.8 percent of the vote, in an election with multiple candidates, he made it to the final round of the election.

Finally, the Electoral College respects the unique role of states in a national election. If we went to a national popular vote, election laws would become even more federalized. Members of Congress would be encouraged to pass more and more unfunded mandates down to the states. An example can be seen in Mr. Nelson's bill, which in addition to abolishing the Electoral College, forces states to purchase new voting machines and to adopt early voting laws.

What's worse, a close election like the one we had in 2000 could put the entire nation in turmoil. Imagine Florida, but with lawyers spread across the country demanding recounts in all 50 states. The consequences of this could be disastrous.

It is no wonder the late Sen. Patrick Moynihan called efforts to get rid of the Electoral College, "the most radical transformation in our political system that has ever been considered." This is also the reason the American Legislative Exchange Council, which represents more than 2,000 state legislators, opposes efforts to abolish the Electoral College. This splendid system, while not perfect, has allowed America to remain a stable and prosperous republic for more than 200 years and it should not be replaced.

Michael Hough is the director of the Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development & Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Task Forces at the American Legislative Exchange Council.

www.houghfordelegate.com

Authority Hough for Delegate, Mathieu Gerard, Treasurer

John McCain on the Pledge of Allegiance

2008-09-24T17:12:00.000-04:00

The followig words of John McCain were sent in by Ralph Clark:

As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.

This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.

Mike came from a small town near Selma , Alabama . He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School . Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.

As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.

Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt.

Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.

One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.

That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.

The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.

As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country

So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country.'

'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'

GOP Kelly About Sarah Palin

2008-09-24T16:54:00.001-04:00

We have our own Pitt Bull with lipstick!

In the Best Country in the World, Who Wants Change?

2008-09-17T20:27:00.001-04:00

George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six the economy was fine.

A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high--14,000 +
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!...

But American's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes--we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR:

1) Consumer confidence has plummeted ;
2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;
3) Unemployment is up 10%;

4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION
DOLLARS and prices still dropping;
5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~
$2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS; MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT
PORTFOLIOS!

YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE... AND WE SURE GOT IT! ....

REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES, ONLY CONGRESS.

AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS!!!!

JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?

Sarah Palin on the Moose

2008-09-17T20:27:00.000-04:00

Young GOP supporters!

2008-09-17T00:27:00.001-04:00

IMG_7778
Originally uploaded by AreaGuides.com Network

A couple of young GOP supporters at the Great Frederick Fair!

Everyone I spoke with at the GOP tent was excited by the Sarah Palin factor. Even democrats seem to be captivated by the VP nominee. There was even talk of the state of Maryland going GOP for the first time in many years.

To get involved visit FrederickGOP.com

Sarah Palin and 16 years!

2008-09-11T18:17:00.000-04:00

If Sarah Palin wins the election in November the GOP has a great opportunity to hold the White House for 16 years. First, note that I said if Sarah Palin wins. I made this statement because I believe that if the GOP wins it will be because of Palin and Palin alone. She is the true conservative and she is the only reason McCain and the GOP are still in this race.

And, if they win and if John McCain can follow Palin's lead McCain can stay in for 8 years and Palin can then take over for 8 more. Finally, things are looking up for the GOP!

Sarah Palin at GOP Convention

2008-09-04T20:12:00.001-04:00

All I can say is WOW!

Sarah Palin at the GOP Convention

2008-09-04T00:03:00.000-04:00

Click Here for video clips of Sarah in action!

AK News McCain picks Palin

2008-09-01T20:10:00.001-04:00

AK News McCain picks Palin
Originally uploaded by ijustine

Thanks to iJustine.com for this photo!

The folks in Alaska have to be excited by Sarah Palin's pick to run on the GOP ticket. I wish Sarah and her family all the best!

Click Here for a LIVE video feed from the convention brought to you by Frederick.com

McCainPalinLargeAd

2008-08-31T22:52:00.001-04:00

McCainPalinLargeAd
Originally uploaded by AreaGuides.com Network

They're off and running! For information regarding ways you can help the GOP visit the link below AND get involved in this website!

http://www.johnmccain.com

and

http://www.johnmccain.com/landing/palin1.htm

Sarah Palin VP - It's Official!

2008-08-29T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Sarah Palin video channel below will give you an idea why so many are excited by this pick:

Click Here for more....

Sarah Palin for VP?

2008-08-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

Now, the republicans may have finally done something right! We will know today if Sarah Palin for VP is a reality!

So who is Sarah Palin? Here's the best profile I could find on Sarah Palin, by Fred Barnes in The Weekly Standard in July 2007:

The wipeout in the 2006 election left Republicans in such a state of dejection that they've overlooked the one shining victory in which a Republican star was born. The triumph came in Alaska where Sarah Palin, a politician of eye-popping integrity, was elected governor. She is now the most popular governor in America, with an approval rating in the 90s, and probably the most popular public official in any state.

Her rise is a great (and rare) story of how adherence to principle--especially to transparency and accountability in government--can produce political success. And by the way, Palin is a conservative who only last month vetoed 13 percent of the state's proposed budget for capital projects. The cuts, the Anchorage Daily News said, "may be the biggest single-year line-item veto total in state history."

As recently as last year, Palin (pronounced pale-in) was a political outcast. She resigned in January 2004 as head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after complaining to the office of Governor Frank Murkowski and to state Attorney General Gregg Renkes about ethical violations by another commissioner, Randy Ruedrich, who was also Republican state chairman.

State law barred Palin from speaking out publicly about ethical violations and corruption. But she was vindicated later in 2004 when Ruedrich, who'd been reconfirmed as state chairman, agreed to pay a $12,000 fine for breaking state ethics laws. She became a hero in the eyes of the public and the press, and the bane of Republican leaders.

In 2005, she continued to take on the Republican establishment by joining Eric Croft, a Democrat, in lodging an ethics complaint against Renkes, who was not only attorney general but also a long-time adviser and campaign manager for Murkowski. The governor reprimanded Renkes and said the case was closed. It wasn't. Renkes resigned a few weeks later, and Palin was again hailed as a hero.

Palin, 43, the mother of four, passed up a chance to challenge Republican senator Lisa Murkowski, the then-governor's daughter, in 2004. She endorsed another candidate in the primary, but Murkowski won and was reelected. Palin said then that her 14-year-old son talked her out of running, though it's doubtful that was the sole reason.

In 2006, she didn't hesitate. She ran against Gov. Murkowski, who was seeking a second term despite sagging poll ratings, in the Republican primary. In a three-way race, Palin captured 51 percent and won in a landslide. She defeated former Democratic governor Tony Knowles in the general election, 49 percent to 41 percent. She was one of the few Republicans anywhere in the country to perform above expectations in 2006, an overwhelmingly Democratic year. Palin is unabashedly pro life.

With her emphasis on ethics and openness in government, "it turned out Palin caught the temper of the times perfectly," wrote Tom Kizzia of the Anchorage Daily News. She was also lucky. News broke of an FBI investigation of corruption by legislators between the primary and general elections. So far, three legislators have been indicted.

In the roughly three years since she quit as the state's chief regulator of the oil industry, Palin has crushed the Republican hierarchy (virtually all male) and nearly every other foe or critic. Political analysts in Alaska refer to the "body count" of Palin's rivals. "The landscape is littered with the bodies of those who crossed Sarah," says pollster Dave Dittman, who worked for her gubernatorial campaign. It includes Ruedrich, Renkes, Murkowski, gubernatorial contenders John Binkley and Andrew Halcro, the three big oil companies in Alaska, and a section of the Daily News called "Voice of the Times," which was highly critical of Palin and is now defunct.

One of her first acts as governor was to fire the Alaska Board of Agriculture. Her ultimate target was the state Creamery Board, which has been marketing the products of Alaska dairy farmers for 71 years and wanted to close down after receiving $600,000 from the state. "You don't just close your doors and walk away," Palin told me. She discovered she lacked the power to fire the Creamery Board. Only the board of agriculture had that authority. So Palin replaced the agriculture board, which appointed a new creamery board, which has rescinded the plan to shut down.

In preserving support for dairy farmers, Palin exhibited a kind of Alaskan chauvinism. She came to the state as an infant, making her practically a native. And she is eager to keep Alaska free from domination by oil companies or from reliance on cruise lines whose ships bring thousands of tourists to the state.

"She's as Alaskan as you can get," says Dan Fagan, an Anchorage radio talk show host. "She's a hockey mom, she lives on a lake, she ice fishes, she snowmobiles, she hunts, she's an NRA member, she has a float plane, and her husband works for BP on the North Slope," Fagan says. Todd Palin, her high school sweetheart, is a three-time winner of the 2,000-mile Iron Dog snowmobile race from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks. It's the world's longest snowmobile race.

Gov. Palin grew up in Wasilla, where as star of her high school basketball team she got the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" for her fierce competitiveness. She led her underdog team to the state basketball championship. Palin also won the Miss Wasilla beauty contest, in which she was named Miss Congeniality, and went on to compete in the Miss Alaska pageant.

At 32, she was elected mayor of Wasilla, a burgeoning bedroom community outside Anchorage. Though Alaskans tend to be ferociously anti-tax, she persuaded Wasilla voters to increase the local sales tax to pay for an indoor arena and convention center. The tax referendum won by 20 votes.

In 2002, Palin entered statewide politics, running for lieutenant governor. She finished a strong second in the Republican primary. That fall, she dutifully campaigned for Murkowski, who'd given up his Senate seat to run for governor. Afterwards, she turned down several job offers from Murkowski, finally accepting the oil and gas post. When she quit 11 months later, "that was her defining moment" in politics, says Fagan.

Her campaign for governor was bumpy. She missed enough campaign appearances to be tagged "No Show Sarah" by her opponents. She was criticized for being vague on issues. But she sold voters on the one product that mattered: herself.

Her Christian faith--Palin grew up attending nondenominational Bible churches--was a minor issue in the race. She told me her faith affects her politics this way: "I believe everything happens for a purpose. In my own personal life, if I dedicated back to my Creator what I'm trying to create for the good . . . everything will turn out fine." That same concept applies to her political career, she suggested.

The biggest issue in the campaign was the proposed natural gas pipeline from the North Slope that's crucial to the state's economy. Murkowski had made a deal with the three big oil companies--Exxon, BP, ConocoPhillips--which own the gas reserves to build the pipeline. But the legislature turned it down and Palin promised to create competition for the pipeline contract.

She made three other promises: to end corruption in state government, cut spending, and provide accountability. She's now redeeming those promises.

Palin describes herself as "pro-business and pro-development." She doesn't want the oil companies to sit on their energy reserves or environmental groups to block development of the state's resources. "I get frustrated with folks from outside Alaska who come up and say you shouldn't develop your resources," she says. Alaska needs to be self-sufficient, she says, instead of relying heavily on "federal dollars," as the state does today.

Her first major achievement as governor was lopsided passage by the legislature of the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, which is designed to attract pipeline proposals this summer. The state is offering $500 million in incentives, but the developer must meet strict requirements. The oil companies have said they won't join the competition.

Palin's tough spending cuts drew criticism from Republican legislators whose pet projects were vetoed. But her popularity doesn't appear threatened. "It's not just that she's pretty and young," says Dittman. "She's really smart. And there's no guile. She says her favorite meal is moose stew or mooseburgers. It wouldn't shock people if that were true."

Here are some more photos of Sarah:

FrederickGOP.com

2008-08-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

To become a contributor to this Blog e-mail me at craig@frederick.com and I'll send you an invitation and you'll be up and running in seconds!

Also, be sure to visit FrederickGOP.com and GET INVOLVED!

Michael Hough

2008-06-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

June 4, 2008
For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Hough
Phone: 240-405-7098
Email: michael@houghfordelegate.com
Website: http://www.houghfordelegate.com

Congressman Bartlett Announces Support for Michael Hough WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Yesterday Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, who represents Western Maryland, announced his support for Michael Hough's candidacy for Maryland State Delegate in District 3B (Frederick & Washington Counties). The Congressman issued a statement saying, 'I support Michael Hough for Delegate because he is a proven Republican leader who has tirelessly fought for the conservative values of our party. I know he will lead the fight in Annapolis for lower taxes, responsible government spending and traditional family values. He will represent the citizens of District 3B well.'

Michael Hough is running for State Delegate in District 3B, which covers portions of Southern Frederick and Washington Counties. The District 3B seat will be open during the 2010 election. Hough currently serves as a Director of the Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development and the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Task Forces at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the nation's largest nonpartisan individual membership organization of state legislators. Hough also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee.

In response to the Congressman's announcement of support, Hough stated, 'It's nice to know I have a vote of confidence from Congressman Bartlett, who lives in the very district that I am running to represent. I admire him for all of the work and service he has done for the citizens of Western Maryland. Congressman Bartlett has faithfully represented his constituents in Washington, D.C. and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as his Delegate in Annapolis.'

The Congressman has joined a number of elected officials supporting Michael Hough for Delegate including State Senator Alex X. Mooney, Frederick County State's Attorney Charlie Smith, Former State Delegate Patrick Hogan, and five current members of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee – including the Chairman, Mary Rolle.

Also see FrederickGOP.com

FrederickGOP.com Blog