Another Paul supporter files for Congress

Ron Paul's supporters are getting on the ballot all over the stateYet another Ron Paul supporter is running for Congress in a safe Democratic district's nearly clear Republican primary field.

Mike Hargadon, a retired* dentist from Woodstock, filed his papers of candidacy last week to challenge six-term incumbent Rep. Elijah Cummings in the 7th District. He most recently stood for election in 2006 as a registered write-in candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and has served as Northern Regional Coordinator for the Maryland Constitution Party.

Hargadon is the third known supporter of Rep. Paul's presidential candidacy to have a strong chance at being the Republican nominee in an overwhelmingly Democratic Maryland congressional district.

When asked about his candidacy, Hargadon told PolitickerMD.com, "I placed my name on the ballot to give people a choice." But he also acknowledged, "I do not intend to raise money or make a serious challenge to Congressman Cummings."

Hargadon takes most of his campaign platform from that of the person he is supporting for president.

"I am inspired by Ron Paul's message of reduced federal government, stop undeclared wars, reestablish a solidly backed currency, revisit the spirit of the Constitution, protect the unborn, and return of person and state freedoms."

Since March, Hargadon and his wife, Jane, have contributed $2,000 to Paul's election fund. He is also running as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention.

His February 12th primary opponent, Ray Bly, appeared on the ballot in 2006 and 2004 as a candidate for U.S. Senate.

*UPDATE: Hargadon still practices dentistry part-time.