Republican House of Delegates (District 29-A) candidate Bryan “Puff” Barthelme formally launched his campaign Sunday with a well-attended, bipartisan fundraiser at the American Legion Post 221 in Avenue.

Barthelme told his supporters: “I stand for God and I stand for family.” He added, “I want to try to go to work for the people of this county.” Barthelme emphasized that he is a life-long resident of the county. “I am here and I grew up here,” he said.

His Republican opponent in the June 24th primary, Matt Morgan, recently moved into the county, although he was a candidate for the same seat in the 2010 election while he lived in Charles County and the district then included a part of Charles County.

The only announced Democratic candidate is Leonardtown attorney Dan Slade.

Barthelme praised long-time Delegate John Wood, a Democrat, who recently announced he was not seeking reelection. The candidate said he hoped to carry on Wood’s tradition.

Barthelme’s wife B.J. is a teacher and he said he wanted to support teachers and education if elected. He said of his wife of 26 years (on February 6), “She is the best thing that ever happened to me.” His campaign is a family affair, with his son Bryan Michael the co-chair of his campaign committee along with former county commissioner Frances Eagan.

He was a Democrat until 2003, Barthelme said. He noted, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the party left me.” He criticized the O’Malley administration as “tax, tax, tax.” He pledged to not vote to raise taxes if elected. “Let’s try to cut the spending,” he said. He said he would use the small businessmen and women of the county and other constituents to go over the budget and find ways to save.

Before his short talk Barthelme introduced the public officials and candidates in attendance, including Commissioners Larry Jarboe (who has not yet announced his political intentions), Cynthia Jones (who is a candidate for State Senate) and Todd Morgan, who is a candidate for reelection. Also in attendance were county commissioner candidates Merl Evans, Mike Hewitt and Tom Jarboe. Former Sheriff Wayne Pettit also attended.

The meal served at the fundraiser included spaghetti and meat balls, salad, and cakes and pies.