Dr. Eric Wargotz is running for U.S. Senate against entrenched Democrat Barbara Mikulski. He proudly states his conservative beliefs and has a hard-working, roll-up-the-sleeves approach to all he undertakes.
Upbringing
Dr. Wargotz credits his parents for instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of pride in work and service to others. At age eight, he would go door-to-door, selling vegetable and flower seeds and greeting cards. Before he departed, he would ask the residents’ if they had small chores he could do for 10 to 15 cents. By the time he began college, he had managed to save enough to cover most of his college costs.
Education
He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors of Science degree before earning his medical degree from Ohio State University on a scholarship. He completed his residency at George Washington University Medical Center and The Veterans Administration Medical Center. He was honored with the Frank Miller Award for Teaching and was selected as Chief Resident in his fourth year.
Family
Dr. Wargotz and his wife, Cheryl-Ann, have been married 14 years and have three children. They have resided in Queen Anne’s County for the entirety of their marriage.
Experience
Community/Civic
- Little League and Flag Football Assistant Coach
- Volunteer for Adopt-A-Bear Foundation
- Board Member of Queen Anne’s County Teen Drug Task Force - assisting in its incorporation into a council within the county government
- Volunteer for Queen Anne’s County Cares, a hurricane Katrina relief effort
- Member of Queen Anne’s County Waterman’s Association
- Member of the Farm Bureau
- Member of the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Sons of the American Legion
- Life member of the NRA
He says, “I am committed to improving quality of life through working with citizens and government officials to build a safer, stronger Maryland.”
Professional
Besides being a physician, Dr. Wargotz is also a businessman, managing several medical businesses. He served as a laboratory medical director for 17 years, which included overseeing budgets and a staff of over 100. He currently does independent consulting and contracting in that field.
- Former President of the Queen Anne’s County Medical Society
- Clinical Professor of Pathology at the George Washington University Medical Center
- Completed a fellowship at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology before joining the staff
- Received several awards for his service working with community organizations from the County Commissioners and the House of Delegates
- Published over two dozen scholarly articles on medical science
- Rated one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumer Research Council yearly since 2004
Political
Dr. Wargotz began his political activism as a teenager in high school, along with his parents and friends. In college, he worked on the Reagan campaign in 1984.
He is a former gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Physician Quality Assurance and the current President of the Queen Anne’s County Board of County Commissioners.
He says, “My formal training as a physician and expertise in health care issues and policy has prepared me for public service.”
Dr. Wargotz recently took time off from his own campaign to volunteer in Scott Brown’s Senate campaign in Massachusetts. He went door-to-door in six inches of snow over the final days leading up to the vote. He believes Maryland could be a Massachusetts repeat.
Military service
Dr. Wargotz is no stranger to service. His father left high school to join the Navy in order to serve in WWII. His grandfather was decorated for his service during WWI. Although he was not selected for service as a registrant for the draft during the Vietnam War, he feels he has served his country and veterans through is physician work at the VA Medical Center and as a staff member of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at the Walter Reed Medical Center.
He says, “I come from a family deeply rooted in patriotism, sacrifice and service.”
Why Dr. Wargotz is running for office
“I love being a physician, caring for patients. But I also love my country and I was raised to stand up and take action if I didn’t like something. So I run for U.S. Senate for a similar reason I ran for Commission President, because I feel compelled to, to try to make a difference. I offer myself as a citizen legislator.”
“I believe in an America which leads, not follows. An America which understands that it must take care of its own in order to better take care of others. A nation which helps its people back to work by offering a hand-up for small business and private industry, not hand-outs. Our constitution provides the means by which we can correct the problems, and it must be adhered to. The line has been drawn and We The People is the battle cry for election 2010.”
Political Philosophy
Dr. Wargotz registered as an Independent in college, resisting aligning with either of the established parties. He then spent two years as a Democrat before changing his affiliation to Republican in 2002. He says he has always had conservative values, but is independent minded. “I have always challenged authority. My parents can attest to that.”
He gave an unusually specific answer to the request to describe his political philosophy. “I am an independent-minded, Constitutionally-based Republican. I carry a copy of the Constitution on me everywhere I go. I identify with the Tea Party movement. I am an ardent fiscal conservative, standing for low taxes, adherence to the Constitution, Second Amendment rights, cultural diversity with no bias (colorblindness), strong military and national security, traditional family values. As social conservatives, we must respect God and preserve life.”
Most important issues
Fiscal Responsibility and the Economy
“Fiscal conservatism must be restored as a fundamental in America. Deficit spending must be stopped and our ballooning debt must be brought under control. Unsound economic principles threaten our national security and are already adversely affecting our way of life.”
“The foundation of the economy is manufacturing and small business, and must not be penalized. International trade agreements must be fair and not one-sided against the interests of American businesses. Job creation is not found in the tentacles of big government, but through private enterprise, fostered and not over-regulated by government.”
“Lower taxes is a tried and true way to improve the economy and standards of living.”
Health Care
“Meaningful health care reform should have three goals: lower costs, improve patient care, reduce waiting time for acute care. Tort reform, wellness programs, and manpower shortages must be part of any health care reform if costs are to be controlled and quality maintained.”
“The government must not come between you and your doctor.”
National Security
“There are threats from within and threats from outside. From within, we must restore a healthy economy. We must transition from dependence on foreign oil to self-reliance. An economically strong America is a safe America.”
“Outside, the threats are the weakness of our foreign policy and handling of terrorists. We must not appease terrorists. They are not entitled to civilian trials. Hostile foreign nations must be dealt with firmly and not always with military force.”
Upcoming event
The Wargotz campaign is hosting an event on March 26 from 7-9pm at the Kent Manor Inn in Stephensville. Visit his website for more information at www.wargotzforussenate.org.
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Comments (31)
Why do you list "military service" when he hasn't served? And where's the part about Wargotz's birther beliefs????
1 day ago
So this guy, who took a college deferment during Vietnam, is now claiming an equivalent status to a military veteran by. . .proxy? Give me a break. This guy will lose big time! Go Mikulski!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you followed that silly thing you would realize the liberal media was attacking him not even understanding the birther definition. He's no birther, just seems to have a question about place of birth like me and almost 40 percent of us across the US still have. If your were astute, you would have recognized that he doesn't question right to serve. This guy is a GREAT candidate. It seems like as with the other less impressive candidates, the "Military Service" section by Miller seems standard regardless of whether they have served in a branch or not. I am impressed by his involvement with the Legion and his service to Veterans, like me.
I look forward to him representing me in Maryland and the Country. God Bless Dr. Wargotz.
Ron - Wargotz stated he believed Obama wasn't born in the U.S. That means he IS A BIRTHER. Wargotz never said he questioned where Obama was born; Wargotz instead stated definitively that Obama was NOT born in the U.S. - which would make Wargotz a birther.
Those birther comments were devastating for him - let's face it.
The birther thing is a gimick. Way I see it, didn't hurt him a single bit. Birther means no citizenship and disqualifying him from being POTUS. He never said that. Ask him, I have. You guys just tryin to make a mountain out of a mole hill. It's nothin, plain ans simple. Frankly, the real birther is the candidate endorsed by the American Independent Party. They essentially require you not only believe that Obama was born outside US but also that his right to be President needs to be challenges cause the AIP doesn't believe he is naturally born citizen. That birther candidate endorsed by AIP is Mr. Rutledge.
Ann Miller, you did an excellent profile of someone who strikes me as our best candidate for US Senate (MD) yet! Thank you Ms. Miller for profiling the US Senate candidates (and others). Very helpful.
Actually, I have been told that both Vaughn and Amedori are also "Birthers". Just ask them. Dies it really matter?
I like this profile of Dr. Wargotz. Met him at a MSOP meeting and he spoke very well and had a firm grasp of the issues and thoughts on how to move forward. More confident and personable than the others I have met. He really impressed me to the point of wanting to help him and so here I am - it's a start. I do believe he has a reasonable chance against Mikulski whereas, I just plainly don't see that possibility with the others. Let's rally behind Eric and win this seat for the people of Maryland!
Ms. Miller, great write up as usual.
To address some of the questions raised in the comments...
Dr. Wargotz was not subject to the draft nor was I (we are the same age) he chose higher education, I volunteered for the Navy. He did his service in V.A. hospitals where is service was needed more and better appreciated.
Birther? Not hardly. During the 2008 campaign the 'birth' think was foisted upon both candidates. McCain addressed his full force (being born in the Panama Canal zone, Obama, not so much. Making a trip to Hawaii and miracously his records were sealed.
Obama raises more questions with his actions. Dr. Wargotz based his response on the lack of evidence to the contrary.
The only people who are trying to get any traction with this are the Rutledge camp but, recieving the endorsement from AIP (which requires 'birther' status should put the matter to rest.
Rutledge, Amedori and Vaughn will be 'also rans'.
Eric has been a great commissioner here in Queen Anne county, tackling the tough local issues that other avoided for years. I hope that he will do the same thing tackling the many issues that the US faces.
I met him at the Montgomery county fair and found him to be an amiable and informed individual. He listened to, and interacted with, everyone in a very open and fair minded way, even with those who were initially hostile and rude towards him because of his party affiliation. He won over every person he met and left them shaking hands in friendship. That counts for something in my book. I think we need some fresh ideas in Maryland and in my opinion, Dr. Wargotz would make a fine Senator
Anyone but Mikulski 2010!
I am delighted we will now have a credible alternative Senatorial candidate to run against Senator Mikulski. Senator Mikulski has been in office since 1986 and is now part of the Washington establishment. And as we have all heard and experienced Washington is not working. It is time for some different ideas to solve our nation's problems. I believe Dr. Wargotz has the credentials to bring a different perspective and innovative solutions Washington.
He is the best candidate for change to represent Maryland in the US senate. Babs is long overdue to retire from her career political position.
Why is there NO mention of Wargotz's birther beliefs? He went on record saying he does NOT believe that Obama was born in the US.
Maybe it's because he isn't one. Duh...end of story. More important issues facing the Nation and Maryland than that non issue. Wargotz will make a great Senator!
Sounds good and all, but I've never heard of the guy and he comes across as rather bland. I seriously doubt he could get the appeal needed to beat Mikulski.
Great profile on Wargotz. Unfortunately he's a run-of-the-mill cookie cutter candidate running in Maryland of all places. Corrogan Vaughn strikes me as a more viable alternative.
Bland? Hardly fellas. Wargotz is a fireball. He continues to prove that he has what it takes. He kicks ass - taking on the Feds locally. Wargotz is one principled SOB and I want him fighting for me in Washington. None and I mean NONE of the other so-called candidates in this race have proved their worth yet..except Wargotz.
But he IS! If you type in his name on YouTube, an interview will pop up where he is interviewed by Stark Report in which he claims that he doesn't believe Obama was born in the US. End of story?
What an outstanding profile on an outstanding candidate! He's got my vote!
Excellent! His constitutional focus and tea party leanings are right-on target. Great write-up. A hard-working guy, smart and tough. He's got my vote too. Check is in the mail.
This US Senate race is heating up. Would love to see a wargotz vs Ehrlich match-up. I think Wargotz could possibly take it. A very strong candidate indeed.
We need Dr. Wargotz in the Senate. He's a smart professional who can bring his private sector acumen to government work. And he's a dr., maybe he could've helped Senator Coburn defeat this awful healthcare bill. Vote Wargotz in November!
Eric Wargotz is nut. He is for the legalization of Pot. His campaign staff all quit so he hired Don Murphy, another lunatic. He seems to be too good for the people as he has avoided 3 candidate forums. He has put out a fundraiser capitalizing on the suffering of the current senator. His top advisor is a hypocrite who has attacked other candidates on issues he himself supported in the MD State Legislature. He has misled the public about his medical career, he is nothing more than a lab rat. Jim Rutledge is condescending and out of touch with the people. And Amedori has a record for domestic violence.
I've met him, and he's just a rude guy. He's been telling people he IS the Republican nominee - condescending to the core. He did that in the Stark report video, and in that same video he says he doesn't believe Obama was born in the US. That was really unwise of him, and will prevent him from ever winning in the general. His positions are OK, except that he thinks we should expand Medicaid which makes no sense considering the fact that we are completely in the red. Republicans - we can do better, honestly.
Nick hits it:
"I am delighted we will now have a credible alternative Senatorial candidate to run against Senator Mikulski. Senator Mikulski has been in office since 1986 and is now part of the Washington establishment. And as we have all heard and experienced Washington is not working. It is time for some different ideas to solve our nation's problems. I believe Dr. Wargotz has the credentials to bring a different perspective and innovative solutions Washington."
I agree Bill M. I have read Dr. Wargotz stuff and have met him. He is a gentlemen and continues to treat all with respect. He will be a great Senator.
Great write up on Eric Wargotz, the "peoples" candidate for the peoples senate seat. I have all the candidates present and Wargotz comes across as most comfortable and confident in himself. I look for that in a leader. Not cocky but conveys a certain calmness and confidence which I find reassuring. The others seem ok but a little green and awkward. Wargotz is most most articulate, clear and has researched the issues. Good Luck Dr. Wargotz. I support you.
I for one appreciate the fact that Wargotz is giving up his current office to make this run. As a doctor, he can speak first hand about the new heath care law and the need to repeal it. I'd vote for any of these candidates to replace the incumbent, but I'll be voting for Wargotz in the primary.
What do you think?
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