2008 is not the first time Zirkle has sought the 2nd district seat. In both 2004 and 2006, he challenged then-incumbent Chris Chocola. In 2006, Zirkle pulled in 30% of the Republican primary vote, despite calling for a return of the guillotine.

Since at least this past March, when Zirkle suggested that “the United States should debate segregating by race,” the local Republican Party has been trying to distance itself from Zirkle.” “The ‘R’ next to Tony Zirkle’s name does not stand for 'Republican,’” said St. Joseph County Republican Chairman Chris Riley. “It stands for ‘repulsive.’”