[img_assist|nid=3864|title=|desc=Ron Paul: Politicker.com Photo|link=none|align=right|width=200|height=222]COLLEGE PARK -- U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) dropped into Maryland Thursday to show his support for five of Maryland's Republican Congressional candidates. The event -- designed to raise cash for the candidates' campaigns -- was held at the Comcast Center at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Paul, who made an unsuccessful bid for president in 2008, says a lot of enthusiasm resulted from the campaign.

To continue the momentum, Paul established the Campaign for Liberty PAC. Endorsement standards vary, but candidates generally need to share his philosophy.

"It's not that complicated, you know, they'd have to agree with me on personal liberties and privacy," Paul told PolitickerMD.com.

More specifically, opposition to the Patriot Act, a desire to withdraw troops from Iraq, and an intense interest in monetary policy make a good a fit, according to Paul.

"And that seems to be the real eye opener right now because the way the markets are acting," said Paul, who was against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - the bailout legislation passed by Congress last week.  "They have no right to steal from you to give to a bunch of rich bankers."

Richard Matthews, the Republican candidate eyeing Maryland's 2nd District seat, said he couldn't have been more honored to receive an endorsement from Paul.

"Ron Paul's the reason I'm involved in politics," Matthews told PolitickerMD.com. Matthews's former campaign manager, who was killed in a motorcycle accident last month, was a key player in organizing Thursday's event.

"He did all the initial prep work," said Matthews of 29-year-old Patrick Citroni.

With the current financial crisis, Paul has a more respected voice than ever, according to Matthews, who's printing new campaign signs that read "Richard 'No Bailouts' Matthews."

Running for Maryland's 7th District seat is Republican Mike Hargadon, who was enthused about the endorsement as well.

"I'm all about it man, this is the best thing," Hargadon told PolitickerMD.com. "Any time you can say five out of eight of Maryland's Congressional candidates are agreeing with Ron Paul - that's an amazing statement."

Collins Bailey, the Republican challenging House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville), says he believes people will vote principle over party this election cycle.

"I see a lot of encouragement to believe that this election will be different," Bailey told PolitickerMD.com. "Congress has a 9 percent approval rating and that's lower than the British had during the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence."

Republican Peter James of the 4th District said he received an endorsement from Paul during the primary. But with the newfound Campaign for Liberty, James is getting financial backing.

"These are I think the true Patriots," James told PolitickerMD.com.

Citroni's death dominated Thursday's conversation, but the bailout package came at a close second. Republican Steve Hudson, who's running for Maryland's 8th District seat, had strong words about the measure.

"I've heard that Congress may have been pressured into this bailout either by the administration or others," said Hudson. "I don't know if that happened or not but if it did people need to be held accountable, people need to go to federal prison."

Admission to the fundraiser was $5 for students, $25 for general admission and $150 for VIP. Proceeds were split amongst the five Congressional candidates.