Michael Hough For Delegate

Special Event with Ellen Sauerbrey

2010-03-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

Supporters Rally

Saturday, April 17, 2010
2Pm to 4Pm

Special Guest
The Honorable Ellen Sauerbrey

Pastimes Cafe
Hampton Inn
5311 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD 21704

TO RSVP OR For More Information please click on the following link: Event Invitation

Delegate Steve Schuh Announces Support For Hough

2010-01-10T11:26:00.001-05:00

Delegate Steve Schuh has released the following statement in support of Mike, "Mike Hough has a long-standing record of service to our Country as a member of the armed forces and to the Republican Party as an elected official, Legislative Aide and volunteer. Mike is a Reagan-style conservative who stands for fiscal responsibility and traditional American values."

Governor O'Malley Could Pick the Next Delegate

2010-01-07T21:49:00.000-05:00

Below is the press release where the two Republican Central Committees are stating that they intend to submit two separate names for the Republican replacement for a House of Delegates seat vacated by Delegate Rick Weldon who was elected as a Republican.

If they proceed with this plan, it would allow the Democrat Governor, Martin O'Malley, to choose which Republican Delegate he prefers. 95.4 percent of the voters live in Frederick County, and 4.6 percent live in Washington County. Mike Hough won the vote from the Frederick County Republican Central Committee with a clear majority of 5 votes for Mike Hough, 3 for Charles Jenkins, and 1 vote for John Lovell.

It is urgent that we contact members of the Washington and Frederick County Republican Central Committees and ask them to delay submitting the two separate names until a process can be worked out for Republicans to agree on just one name.

Frederick County Republican Central Committee Press Release

FCRCC and WCRCC Vote on Replacement to Vacant Delegate Seat

Frederick, MD Wednesday, January 06, 2010: The Frederick County Republican Central Committee (FCRCC) and the Washington County Republican Central Committee (WCRCC) met this evening to fill the vacant seat in the Maryland House of Delegates (District 3B).

The three final candidates were Mike Hough, Charles Jenkins and John Lovell. Each candidate was independently interviewed during a joint interview with both Committees.

The final votes were cast by each sitting member of both Committees.

After thoughtful discussion and deliberation, Mike Hough, was the chosen candidate to fill the vacant seat by the FCRCC. Charles Jenkins was chosen as the candidate by the WCRCC.

The final nominations will be hand delivered the Governor's Office on Thursday morning. The Governor will have up to 15 days to make the appointment official. It is anticipated that the Governor will perform this important task prior to January 13th which is the beginning of the 2010 General Session.

For further inquiries, please contact Frederick County Republican Central Committee Chairman Kelly Schulz at 240-285-5540, or kmsremax@aol.com or Washington County Republican Central Committee Chairman Paula Lampton at 717-504-2053 or paulalampton@yahoo.com.

Michael Hough Receives an 'A' Rating from the NRA

2010-01-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

The National Rifle Association has given Michael Hough an A rating for the Republican Central Committee Election to fill Delegate Rick Weldon's vacated seat.

Michael's "AQ" rating on his NRA questionnaire is the highest grade possible for non-incumbents. Andrew Jennison, Maryland State Liaison for the NRA stated "Our members will interpret your "AQ" rating as being a pro-Second Amendment and pro-hunting candidate who supports gun owners and sportsmen in Maryland."

In addition to Hough's recent A rating from the NRA, During his time working for State Senator Alex Mooney and later as a Task Force Director at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), he has worked on many issues important to gun owners.

"I have worked to pass right-to-carry legislation in Maryland and around the country and worked to pass 'castle doctrine' legislation which allows law-abiding citizens to protect their homes and property," stated Hough.

The NRA's Second Vice President David Keene has stated about Hough, "He's got a backbone and is the kind of candidate we can rally around."

Delegate Bates Supports Hough

2009-12-30T23:55:00.001-05:00

Brunswick, MD—Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 3B, which covers Southern Frederick and Washington Counties, has received support from another Republican Delegate, Gail Bates.

Delegate Bates released the following statement, "It is a pleasure to work with Mike in the legislature and at ALEC. He embodies Jeffersonian principles. He a has a reputation for constituent services and of working well with legislators."

Delegate Bates has joined thirteen other members of the Maryland General Assembly in her support for Mike. A full listing can be found at www.houghfordelegate.com/support.html

Two More Delegates Support Hough

2009-12-23T21:09:00.003-05:00

Brunswick, MD—Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 3B, which covers Southern Frederick and Washington Counties, has received support from two more Republican state delegates.

Delegate Rick Impallaria released the following statement, "I fully support Michael Hough and believe he will be a valuable member of the Republican caucus in Annapolis."

Delegate William J. Frank stated: "Michael Hough is a principled conservative, and we can count on him to support limited government and traditional values. He would be an outstanding delegate. He has my full support."

Delegates William Frank and Rick Impallaria have joined a growing list of elected Republican officials who recognize the value Michael Hough would bring to the Maryland House of Delegates.

Currently thirteen Republican members of the Maryland General Assembly have announced their support for Michael Hough.

Senator Munson Gives Support to Hough

2009-12-22T23:19:00.002-05:00

Brunswick, MD—Michael Hough, candidate Maryland House of Delegates in District 3B, which covers Southern Frederick and Washington Counties, continues to garner support from Members of the Maryland General Assembly.

Senator Don Munson-R (Washington County) released the following statement: "Michael Hough has wide experience, knows the legislature, is a hard worker, and would be devoted to his constituents."

Michael Hough is currently competing for the recently vacated seat of Rick Weldon. The Frederick and Washington County Republican Central Committee will appoint his replacement. Michael has already been endorsed by Senator Alex X. Mooney who represents Frederick and Washington Counties.

I am honored to have Senator Munson's support and to now have the support of the majority of senators from Washington County. I pledge to stand up for the people of Washington County against the out of control tax-and-spend government in Annapolis,” said Hough.

Another Delegate Weighs In for Mike

2009-12-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

Another member of the Maryland House of Delegates has weighed in with his opinion:

"Michael is a good family man. He's someone who cares about out community and the country. It is obvious in everything that he does that he's putting God, Country, and his family before himself. His sincerity is an asset that will serve us well as an elected leader."

--Delegate Nic Kipke

Important Campaign Update

2009-12-18T18:35:00.000-05:00

My friends, I have some very important news to share with you. Today Delegate Rick Weldon, who represents District 3B (Southern Frederick & Washington Counties) announced he will resign his position as state delegate in order to serve as a senior advisor for Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement. The Frederick County and Washington County Republican Central Committees will appoint his successor.

I will be submitting my resume to both central committees for consideration for the appointment to fill this vacancy. I want you to know no matter what happens with this appointment process, I will be running for Delegate in district 3B in 2010. I am currently the only candidate officially filed to run.

As you know I have been actively campaigning for this seat for almost two years with the full expectation that I would face the judgment of voters in 2010. My family, friends, and supporters have worked tirelessly during this period and we have achieved a great deal to this point. We have raised approximately $60,000 from almost four hundred individuals, gained support from a number of prominent Republicans including Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Senator Alex X. Mooney, Delegate Joseph Bartlett, and seven other members of the Maryland General Assembly. In addition we have begun a grassroots effort and knocked on over 1,000 doors this summer in order to introduce myself to voters.

I also believe as a Ronald Reagan Republican, I would best represent the core conservative values of the Republican Party. This is obviously a very unexpected turn of events for my campaign and I ask for your prayers and support through this process. For those of you who would like to contact the Frederick County Republican Central Committee to comment on this process you can do so via email at info@frederickgop.org or by phone at 301-662-0550. You can contact the chairman of the Washington County Republican Central Committee at PaulaLampton@yahoo.com

Meet and Greet/Fundraising Dinner

2009-12-11T19:25:00.002-05:00

Meet and Greet/Fundraising Dinner

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010 6:30PM - 8:00PM

Special Guests
Louis M. Pope, Maryland Republican National Committeeman
Blaine Young, Radio Show Host

Green Country Inn
620 Souder Road
Brunswick, MD 21716

Directions: From 340 West (Towards Charles Town)
Turn Left onto MD-17/Souder Road

To attend, any donationation is appreciated
Please click here for the Event Invitation

TO RSVP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MICHAEL HOUGH AT 240-405-7098, OR VIA EMAIL AT MICHAEL@HOUGHFORDELEGATE.COM

Delegate Bartlett Supports Hough

2009-11-22T20:51:00.001-05:00

Delegate Joseph Bartlett (Frederick County) has announced his support for Michael Hough's campaign for the Maryland House of Delegates in district 3B.

Delegate Bartlett said, "Frederick County desperately needs additional conservative representation in Annapolis. Michael Hough embodies our core Republican values."

Michael Hough said "I am proud to add the support of another strong conservative Republican legislator like Delegate Bartlett to my campaign. I look forward to working with him to stop the out of control tax-and-spend policies in Annapolis."

In addition to Delegate Bartlett, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Senator Alex X. Mooney, Senator Andy Harris, House Minority Whip Delegate Chris Shank, House Deputy Minority Whip Delegate Joseph Boteler, Delegate Don Dwyer, Delegate Tony McConkey, Delegate Warren Miller, Delegate Ron George, and former Delegate Patrick Hogan have all announced their support for Michael Hough.

Two More Endorsements for Hough

2009-11-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

Brunswick, MD—Two more Republican members of the Maryland General Assembly have endorsed Michael Hough for Delegate in district 3B (Southern Frederick & Washington Counties). Delegate Ron George (Anne Arundel County) said, “Michael Hough is a good friend that I came to know through his tireless efforts through the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to bring fiscal responsibility to the State House. He is a true Conservative and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having him in Annapolis.”

House Deputy Minority Whip Delegate Joseph Boteler III (Baltimore County) said “I need Michael Hough down with me in Annapolis to fight the out-of-control taxes and spending.”

Hough has gained support from a number of elected Republican leaders including Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Senator Alex X. Mooney, Senator Andy Harris, House Minority Whip Delegate Chris Shank, Delegate Don Dwyer, former Delegate Patrick Hogan, and the past two Frederick County Republican Central Committee Chairmen Dino Flores and Mary Rolle.

In reply to these latest endorsement Hough said, “I am very grateful to have already received this level of support and I look forward to standing with these great legislators to bring an end to Maryland’s liberal tax-and-spend policies.”

Creating jobs in Maryland

2009-10-18T12:02:00.001-04:00

Originally published in the Frederick News Post, October 14, 2009

The recent jobs report that showed our nation lost 263,000 jobs in September and former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's remarks that the unemployment rate will reach 10 percent and "stay there for a while" were reminders that the economic forecast remains bleak.

The high rate of unemployment will make it harder for businesses in Maryland to hire new workers because beginning next year unemployment taxes will dramatically increase. In fact, some Maryland businesses will see a nearly fourfold increase in their unemployment taxes. This tax increase is automatic under Maryland law to pay for the increasing number of people collecting unemployment benefits.

That's why I've proposed a $500 credit on unemployment taxes for employers who hire a worker who has been collecting unemployment for more than 60 days. This plan will be revenue neutral as hired workers will no longer collect benefits and another positive is employers will have an incentive to hire new workers and it will provide some tax relief to businesses.

This, along with reducing overall tax rates, eliminating unnecessary regulations on businesses, and competitively bidding out nonessential government services to the private sector, are proposals that should be enacted in Maryland to create jobs.

MICHAEL HOUGH

Candidate for Maryland House of Delegates

Hough Releases Maryland Job Creation Plan

2009-08-03T19:18:00.000-04:00

(Brunswick, Maryland) Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 3B), released a Job Creation 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.

YouTube

2009-07-09T21:42:00.001-04:00

I have added several videos to my YouTube channel that I hope you will enjoy. Please click on the following link to view them: hough4delegate. You can view my signing of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge with Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, footage of my Campaign Kickoff event, and my presentation at a forum on illegal immigration. If you are a YouTube member, you can subscribe to the channel for future video updates. As you will see from these videos, I am a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility and lower taxes to fix our ailing economy.

Charlie and the Flip Flop Factory

2009-06-23T22:14:00.001-04:00

Today Commissioner Charles Jenkins aka (Flip-flop Charlie) completed his reversal on the incinerator by voting to approve it. This comes a few weeks after his failed motion and vote to end procurement of the incinerator and subsequent successful motion to suspend procurement. At the time Jenkins stated he had concerns with the $600 million price tag and the public outcry. “We need results not lawsuits,” Jenkins stated.

Michael Hough, Candidate for the House of Delegates stated, “Other than him perceiving the political wind to be blowing in a different direction, none of the reasons he stated for voting against the incinerator, only a couple of weeks ago, have changed.” Hough added, “It’s unbelievable that he ordered the County to do four months worth of studies, which cost taxpayer money, and now a couple of weeks later he completely changes his mind and approves the incinerator.”

Grover Norquist to Join Michael Hough for Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signing

2009-06-14T20:46:00.002-04:00

(Brunswick, MD) Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 3B), will be joined by Grover Norquist the President of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) this Saturday at 9:00 am in Brunswick for a Taxpayer Protection Pledge signing event.

ATR is a coalition of taxpayer groups, individuals and businesses opposed to higher taxes at both the federal, state and local levels. ATR organizes the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which asks all candidates for federal and state office to commit themselves in writing to oppose all tax increases. To date, 172 House members, and 34 Senators have taken the pledge. On the state level, 7 governors and over 1100 state legislators have taken the pledge.

ATR was founded in 1985 at the request of President Ronald Reagan. More information can be found at www.atr.org.

Michael Hough has made his opposition to Maryland’s high tax rates a major theme of his campaign. The pledge signing will take place at Square Corner Park, which is located in downtown Brunswick at the corner of Potomac Street and Petersville Road.

Campaign Kickoff BBQ

2009-04-11T23:31:00.003-04:00

I would like to invite you and your family to my Campaign Kickoff BBQ on Saturday, May 30th from 12 - 3pm at the Farmers Woods Ruritan Club in Knoxville, Maryland. Special guests will include Senator Alex X. Mooney (Frederick & Washington Counties) and the House Republican Whip, Delegate Chris Shank (Washington County).

Food will include a pig roast and entertainment will be provided for the kids. Tickets are $25 per person or $35 for a family. Sponsorships are also available for $500, $250 and $100. For more information please see the invitation here.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me by email at michael@houghfordelegate.com or by phone at 240-405-7098. RSVP's are appreciated. Please pass this invitation on to anyone you think would be interested.

I look forward to seeing you on May 30.

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Control state spending before seeking bailouts

2009-03-08T11:54:00.001-04:00

Originally published in the Gazette:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/02202009/polilet154550_32472.shtml

Over the last few years Maryland taxpayers have been burdened with the consequences of Gov. Martin O'Malley's liberal tax-and-spend policies. Now taxpayers from the rest of the nation will have to pay up as well, because Maryland needs a bailout.

After enacting a $1.3 billion tax increase, the largest tax hike in the history of Maryland, O'Malley needs even more money to cover huge projected deficits for the next two years.

This year, O'Malley is counting on $350 million from the federal government to balance the state's budget. He expects $1.5 billion from federal taxpayers next year. You can almost visualize trucks full of cash lined up from Washington, D.C., to Annapolis to deliver this money.

One would think after having to receive a bailout from the federal government that O'Malley would cut wasteful spending, but instead he again plans to increase spending by $800 million. This amounts to more than $120 in new spending for every resident in Maryland this year. Legislators in Annapolis need to cut O'Malley's budget and we need to get a handle on our out-of-control spending before we ask taxpayers from other states for a bailout.

Congress crafting a stimulus to nowhere

2009-02-05T23:07:00.002-05:00

Published: DC Examiner. February 5, 2009

http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/Congress-crafting-a-stimulus-to-nowhere39133632.html

By Michael Hough and Jonathan Williams, OpEd Contributors

KEY DATE: State government spending has increased 124 percent in a decade, while state debt climbed 95 percent higher during that same period.

TAKE-HOME: Taxpayers cannot afford nearly a trillion dollars worth of “stimulus” spending that only stimulates politicians and special interests.

As in any time of crisis, Washington is suffering from a predictable case of the “do something” disease. Many state and local elected officials want instant solutions to the budget problems they are facing.

Unfortunately, for our elected officials in Washington, simply calling legislation a “stimulus” bill doesn’t mean it will actually help the economy.

It seems like almost every economist and political pundit today is claiming that massive infrastructure spending, specifically in transportation, is the best way to jump-start the economy.

However, history has shown us, time and time again, the most effective economic stimulus comes from monetary policy and tax relief—not Keynesian spending. This view is shared by the chairman of President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors, Christina Romer, who has written that increased spending on the New Deal “had little direct expansionary effect on the economy.”

Even if you assume government infrastructure spending is an effective stimulus, current efforts in Congress should be called into question when you examine the timelines for implementation and some of the details about the specific projects that will receive funding.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released numbers showing the bulk of the money promised for transportation and highway construction will not be spent in the next two years, and will most likely be spent when the nation has already recovered from our current recession.

In fact, the CBO projects that only $136 billion of the $355 billion of infrastructure spending will be used by Oct. 1, 2010. Of the $30 billion to be spent on highway construction—only $4 billion will be spent over the next two years.

For these funds to actually be used on any new road projects, it will take an upwards of 10 years from the time the road is planned until construction actually begins. This is due to the burdensome and highly regulated process the federal government uses to build roads.

For example, it usually takes five years for the federal government to complete all of the required environmental studies. For these funds to have any impact, Congress will need to cut a great deal of government red tape.

Proponents of this stimulus package argue that states will be mandated to spend a great deal of the money within 90 to 120 days, and therefore the funds will go to “shovel-ready projects.”

However, a great deal of these projects are “shovel-ready” because the money has already been appropriated by a state. Therefore, federal funding will simply replace state funding, resulting in a net stimulus effect of zero.

Finally, one has to wonder how effectively the money will be spent, given that elected officials across the country are lining up with long lists of projects for their states. Requests include some important projects, like repairing bridges, while other projects are less important, like installing new putting greens on golf courses.

Congress has even added $335 million to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. While this may be an important program, it certainly won’t help the economy. If some members of Congress had gotten their way, we would have seen even more hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to fund contraceptives.

Even ACORN is eligible to benefit from the current economic stimulus package due to $750 million for neighborhood revitalization. The bill also contains payoffs for union bosses, with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements for every project, which the Heritage Foundation predicts will cost taxpayers $17 billion.

While lawmakers may enjoy having their state budgets bailed out by the federal government, there is little evidence these funds will create new jobs. A federal bailout of the states does nothing to address the fundamental issue of states overspending taxpayer dollars.

State spending has grown at an unsustainable rate over the past decade. In fact, state spending is up 124 percent from where it was just 10 years ago, and state debt has increased by 95 percent during that same period.

New estimates from the CBO show Uncle Sam’s budget deficit has reached $1.2 trillion, and with $10 trillion in national debt, Uncle Sam isn’t in the best position to bail anyone out.

If the past is any indication, this current stimulus bill will not simulate the economy. Even worse, it will surely end up full of pork projects, while the majority of infrastructure funding will not be prioritized.

With Uncle Sam this deep in the hole, the last thing taxpayers need is more wasted money on “Bridges to Nowhere” and other spending adventures.

Michael Hough and Jonathan Williams are task force directors at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

We Did It!

2009-01-23T20:52:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all of my supporters for helping me surpass my original fundraising goal of $20,000 for this year. Today, I submitted my first campaign finance report and I'm pleased to tell you we raised $29,213, which represents a one year fundraising record in my district, and we reported $25,169 in the bank. We received donations from over 250 people and the average donation was $115.

This was a great first year and I simply could not have done it without your help. With our current economic downturn, excessive taxes in Maryland and the Republican Party struggling nationally, it is good to see so many people rally around my conservative message of lower taxes, limiting government spending, and promoting traditional family values.

We have a long campaign a head of us, but with your continued support I know we will prevail.

Michael Hough Welcomes Charles Jenkins to the Race

2009-01-09T20:51:00.001-05:00

Michael Hough, candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, released the following statement today:

"I welcome Frederick County Commissioner Charles Jenkins to the race for state delegate in district 3B (Southern Frederick & Washington Counties) and I look forward to a spirited campaign and to debating the important issues facing the State of Maryland."

Michael Hough Becomes New Frederick County GOP Chairman

2008-08-25T20:47:00.003-04:00

Frederick, Maryland -- Michael Hough has become the new Chairman of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee. Hough hopes to concentrate on registering voters and organizing precinct volunteers during the 2008 and 2010 elections. (read more) (view video)

Congressman Bartlett Announces Support for Michael Hough

2008-06-04T20:46:00.000-04:00

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). (read more)

Michael Hough Announces Candidacy for District 3B Delegate

2008-03-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

Brunswick, MD. - Michael Hough (pronounced Huff) the current Vice Chairman of the Frederick County Republican Central Committee has filed the necessary paperwork to begin running for State Delegate in district 3B, which covers southern-Frederick County and includes parts of Washington County. (read more)