Welcome to the
Washington County Republican Club

The next meeting of the WCRC will be on Wed, August 22, 2018, 7:00 PM at the Funkstown American Legion (Ballroom entrance.) Our speakers wil be members of the Western MD Delegation. All are welcome.

Members, don't forget to bring your raffle ticket stubs and money. Tickets are $5 each and the proceeds will benefit the club's expenses.

The Washington County Republican Club will hold its annual picnic on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Funkstown American Legion in the picnic pavilion from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., the meal will be served at 6. The cost is $25 per person for members, $30 per person for non-members and $15 for children under 12. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and to meet the Republican candidates you will be voting for in November. Send your name, number of attendees and check made payable to WCRC to WCRC, P.O. Box 172, Funkstown, MD 21734. For more information call Barb. H. at 301-223-7834.

 Maryland Republican Party

80 days. There are 80 days until election day. We cannot stress this enough, but the election this November will be critically important to the future of our state. The results of the State Senate and House elections will directly impact redistricting and what our congressional and legislative districts look like for the next 10 years. We are fighting to re-elect the second Republican Governor in Maryland history, but we are also fighting to bring balance to our state and elect more Republicans who will fight to lower taxes instead of raising them. 

Ben Jealous and his team running for the Maryland General Assembly have plans that will raise Maryland's budget by more than 50%. Their plans will lead to a tax increase of more than $2,800 on every man, woman, and child. This is untenable. We must take nothing for granted and turn out as many voters as possible who want to make Maryland as affordable as possible.

Please click here to sign-up to volunteer for our victory efforts!

Upcoming Events

Craig Giangrande General Election Kick-off w/ Governor Hogan

Brewer's Alley - Frederick, MD

Monday, August 20, 2018 @ 12:00 P.M.

Mary Beth Carozza - Drive for 5 Reception

Smith Family Home - Annapolis, MD

Monday, August 20, 2018 @ 5:30 P.M.

8th Annual All American Summer Picnic - Hosted by Jeff Cline

Potomac Fish & Game Club - Williamsport, MD

Thursday, August 23, 2018 @ 5:00 P.M.

Harford County Lincoln Reagan Dinner with Governor Larry Hogan

Richli Ballroom & Catering - Edgewood, MD

Thursday, August 23, 2018 @ 6:00 P.M.

Joe Hooe for Senate Crab Feast Fundraiser

Arbutus Town Hall - Arbutus, MD

Sunday, August 26, 2018 @ 2:00 P.M.

RWCC Ice Cream Social

Waldorf Jaycees - Waldorf, MD

Sunday, August 26, 2018 @ 2:00 P.M.

MFRW & MD Young Republicans Happy Hour

Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge - Rockville, MD

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 @ 4:00 P.M.

Evening Reception with Governor Hogan & Delegate Christian Miele for State Senate

Columbus Gardens - Nottingham, MD

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 @ 6:00 P.M.

Steve Schuh at the Sofa Store - Patty Ewing For Delegate

The Sofa Store - Glen Burnie, MD

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 @ 6:00 P.M.

J.D. Russell Fundraiser

La Banque - Harve De Grace, MD

Thursday, August 30, 2018 @ 5:30 P.M.

Ron George Birthday Party

Glory Days Grill - Edgewater, MD

Thursday, August 30, 2018 @ 6:00 P.M.

Breakfast Reception Hosted by Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings

Harry Browne's - Annapolis, MD

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 @ 8:30 A.M.

Annual End of Summer Party - County Executive Steve Schuh

Kurtz's Beach - Pasadena, MD

Friday, September 7, 2018 @ 6:30 P.M.

ARCC Meet Your Candidates Rally

Conte-Lubrano Building - Annapolis, MD

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 @ 6:00 P.M.

An Evening with Pat Fenati

Family home of Issa Khozeimeh - Bethesda, MD

Thursday, September 13, 2018 @ 7:00 P.M.

Frederick County Club Meeting

Red Horse Restaurant - Frederick, MD

Thursday, September 13, 2018 @ 7:00 P.M.

Volunteer Opportunities

Become an Election Judge Today!

Write Letters to the Editor

Hogan Fellowship Program

The Hogan Campaign is offering fellowship opportunities to politically active students and graduates who would like the chance to take part in Maryland's high energy 2018 election cycle. Participate will learn and experience hands-on essential tasks of a professional political campaign. They will have the opportunity to network within the Maryland political community and receive a letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the program. 

Hours are flexible and schedules are adjustable to accommodate school, work, and family obligations. 

If you know someone who may be a good fit, please have them sign-up here. 

This week in the News...

Political World -- Minus One -- Heads to Ocean City

Ben Jealous was missing in action in Ocean City...

"But his absence only reinforces the insiders' talk that the California native doesn’t really “get” Maryland."

Sun laments lack of female candidates - then ignores District 6

Our 6th Congressional District nominee Amie Hoeber: "Surely, The Sun isn’t suggesting that a carpet-bagging Democrat, who was rejected by 60 percent of his party’s primary voters, has a better chance in the 6th District than a former deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Army and national security expert who was supporting women’s issues long before it became fashionable to do so."

Poll: Hogan leads Jealous in governor's race by double-digits

"While 19 percent of surveyed voters held a negative view of Hogan, 33 percent said they felt that way about Jealous — a 19-point spike since the last Gonzales survey. The increase is primarily among Republicans and independent voters and is particularly pronounced among Republicans, whose disapproval of Jealous rocketed from 21 percent to 71 percent.

Beginning the day after the primary, Hogan and the GOP have hammered Jealous as too “extreme” for Maryland. The Republican Governors Association has targeted him with more than $1 million in attack ads, which have gone unanswered on the airwaves by Jealous and his Democratic allies."

Democrats view socialism more favorably than capitalism, Gallup says

It appears there are some people who may need a history lesson... 

"The Attorney General of Maryland should be focused on Maryland"

Image result for craig wolf

Wolf for Attorney General:

"The Attorney General of Maryland should be focused on Maryland. [Brian Frosh] is an activist; he's putting his personal politics in front of the job of Attorney General. From my perspective, if the legislature wants to give me a million dollars, I'm going to apply it to the opioid crisis; I'm going to apply it to crime in Baltimore City.

I think we have better things to do than spend all of our time [focused] on Washington."

>> DONATE TO THE MDGOP TODAY! <<

--

Patrick O'Keefe

Executive Director

Maryland Republican Party

www.mdgop.org

Paid for by the Maryland Republican Party.

Not Authorized by any Candidate or Candidate's Committee. R. Christopher Rosenthal, Treasurer

Update on State Retiree Prescription Plan

I’ve received numerous calls and emails regarding upcoming changes to prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees enrolled under the State of Maryland Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program. Many are rightfully wondering why this issue wasn’t rectified in the past. Despite my best efforts, in 2011 the previous administration and the Maryland General Assembly passed pension reform legislation that included the end of prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) for Medicare-eligible retirees as of July 1, 2019. This date was chosen because the federal government was to close the coverage gap (the time in which you have limited or no prescription coverage) in Medicare Part D by then. However, the U.S. Congress voted recently to discontinue the coverage gap on the earlier date of January 1, 2019.

The actions taken on the federal level prompted the Maryland General Assembly to amend legislation during the 2018 Legislative Session that would end State prescription drug coverage for its Medicare-eligible retirees to coincide with the new date of January 1, 2019. Again, these actions were taken despite the best efforts of myself, and against the recommendation of the Hogan Administration, which advocated for keeping State retirees on their prescription drug plan until July 1, 2019 to provide sufficient time to communicate this change and provide a smoother transition to Medicare Part D coverage.

Unfortunately, a divisive game of “politics as usual” in Annapolis has resulted in devastating consequences for countless retirees who dutifully served the State of Maryland during their careers. While these individuals need to start learning about their Medicare Part D options, I want to reinforce that these changes do not affect medical coverage. This is prescription coverage you will have to select, enroll in, and pay for on your own. I implore affected individuals to do this now, so you will be ready to enroll during Medicare’s Open Season which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2018. If you do not enroll in a plan by December 7th, you will not have prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2019.

You may find it helpful to know that I have collaborated with Governor Hogan and other members of the legislature to implement a one-year transition program, in which the state will reimburse all out-of-pocket pharmaceutical expenses for affected retirees that go over $1,500 (the limit under the current state plan). There are many options available to those affected by these changes, and my staff and I stand ready, willing and able to direct you to the appropriate resources to make the most informed choice possible. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Maryland Senate Drive for Five in Full Swing 

 It’s been a busy summer tending to matters here in the District and heading up the Senate GOP Caucus’ Drive for Five by helping Republican candidates across the state convey their ideas for change and reform to voters in their own communities. Last week I was honored to attend a luncheon with Governor Hogan for my friend Ron George, who is running for State Senate in District 30. Like many others across the state vying for a chance to continue the Hogan Administration’s positive momentum in Annapolis, Ron is a fiscal conservative, a business owner, and someone who has dedicated his life to making his community a better place to live, work and visit. Of the 47 current Maryland State Senators, only 14 are Republicans. With 19 seats, we can sustain Governor Hogan's vetoes. 

17th Annual Polo Event Just Two Weeks Away 

Please join me on Friday August 3rd for my annual Polo Fundraiser at the Maryland Polo Club in Jarrettsville from 6-8PM. This family friendly event is one of my favorites of the year. Come on out for some polo and delicious food provided by Richardson Farms. If you’re unable to attend, please consider clicking here to donate $10, $15 or even $25 to my campaign so I can continue fighting the Democratic majority in Annapolis for you. No amount is too great or too small. As always, thank you for your support. I hope to see you there! To register or to make a donation, please visit: http://www.jbjennings.com/polomatch/

Around the District

Last week J.W., Kate and I had a great time at the Baltimore County 4H Fair. We all enjoyed meeting the kids who worked so hard to take part in this wonderful event. I'm proud to say this was my 20th straight year of supporting the 4-H'ers by being a buyer at the livestock auction.

Speaking of family farm fun, I hope to see you next week at the 31st Annual Harford County Farm Fair. Bring the family out for a day of fun – the fair runs from Monday July 23rd – Saturday July 28th. For more information, please visit http://farmfair.org/.

I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe and happy summer. As always, if I can ever be of service to you please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope to see you next week at the fair, or at the Polo event in August!