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Club for Growth Goes After Gilchrest with Ad Buy

by The Hill - 02/01/08 1:04 PM ET

The Club for Growth, a Republican group with a pro-business message, will begin airing an ad in Maryland Friday attacking 9th-term Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, accusing the representative of being too fiscally liberal.

Gilchrest will face a significant primary challenge from state Sen. Andy Harris, who has outraised Gilchrest in the current cycle, attracting $1,092,770 in donations to Gilchrest’s $524,802. Harris also has more cash on hand with $424,364 to Gilchrest’s $361,009.

Gilchrest coasted through the 2004 primary, defeating opponent Richard Colburn with 62% in 2004, then went on to win the general election with 69% in the right-leaning first district.

The Club for Growth will also air the ad on radio; the total ad buy amounts to $250,000, according to the Club for Growth. The ad accuses Gilchrest of raising taxes, supporting pork projects, and raising congressional pay.