Bailey picks up endorsements

Friday, Aug. 13, 2010

Two conservative groups have endorsed Charles County school board member Collins Bailey in his campaign to unseat House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer as the 5th District's congressional representative.

The Republican Liberty Caucus and Maryland Right to Life extended support based on Bailey's stances on limited government and abortion, respectively.

"Collins Bailey has a long history of leadership in the cause of life," said Maryland Right to Life Director Angela Martin in a press release. "He understands that the right to life is the paramount human right, without which all other rights are meaningless. Maryland Right to Life is proud to support him as a candidate to represent Maryland's fifth Congressional district."

Bailey has already picked up endorsements from the Independence Caucus and Liberty Candidates, two national organizations, and former presidential candidate Ron Paul.

"We are honored to receive Maryland's Right to Life endorsement," Bailey said in the release. "Life is a precious gift from God that begins at conception. I will be diligent to protect innocent life at all levels. Life is our most basic Right. It is not given (and should not be taken) by the government."

The caucus, a national grassroots network of "citizens dedicated to upholding individual liberty, limited government, and free enterprise," has endorsed candidates across the country who share goals of reducing spending and cutting taxes, according to a press release.

"I appreciate what they stand for — fiscal responsibility, constitutional government, responsible government," Bailey said of the caucus.

The caucus is familiar with Bailey from his failed 2006 run against Hoyer and "found that he strongly supports the Constitution, limited government and the returning of liberties to the citizens of the state and we find him to be a very honorable man," said John Orlando, chairman of the RLC's Maryland chapter. "Fundamentally, we believe he is constitutionally sound, he endorses the positions that we think will lead to a limited government."

The caucus endorsed Bailey in 2006 and he is happy to have its support again.

"I appreciate their confidence in me again this election cycle," Bailey said. "We certainly feel there's a need for some fiscal responsibility in Washington, even more than there was two years ago."

jnewman@somdnews.com