Harris calls Kratovil a ‘Prince George’s machine Democrat’

Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) has presented himself to the voters of Maryland's 1st Congressional District as a moderate, much like the district's current congressman, Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville).

His opponent, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) rejects the notion that Kratovil is a moderate, calling him a "Prince George's machine Democrat" during an interview today with PolitickerMD.com.

"The playbook of the national Democratic Party has been to run conservative Democrats in right of center districts," Harris, referring to recent national Democratic victories in conservative areas, said. "That will not work in Maryland's First Congressional District."

Kratovil says he takes a firm stance against illegal immigration and frequently reminds citizens that he has been a prosecutor for more than a decade. In other areas, he is an advocate for universal health care, increased environmental protection, and favors an end to the war in Iraq, but does not support a timetable for withdrawal.

 "The difference here is that Democrats are not running a conservative Democrat," Harris said. "(Kratovil's) not even a moderate."

After graduating from law school in 1994, Kratovil, who was raised in Prince George's County, served first as a judicial law clerk on the Circuit Court for Prince George's County. He then became the county's assistant state's attorney, before leaving in 1997 to accept the same position in Queen Anne's County. He was elected state's attorney for Queen Anne's County in 2003.

Harris referred to Kratovil's service as president of the Young Democrats of Maryland from 1997-1998, saying his opponent was "the head of an organization" that was part of the "party machine."

When asked, Harris dismissed the importance of the organization "Republicans for Kratovil," a group that includes Tony and Lynn Caligiuri, Gilchrest's chief-of-staff and former aide.

"Of the twelve counties in the district, the Republican Central Committees are all strongly behind me," Harris said. "There is no grassroots movement of any significance behind Kratovil (among Republicans)."

Harris referred to his "strong support" among notable state Republicans, like former Gov. Bob Ehrlich and former House delegate and U.S. state department official, Ellen Sauerbrey.

Asked to describe his own political ideology, Harris called his views "right of center" on both fiscal and social issues, but added, "It depends on the issue." He referred to his support of a paper trail for electronic voting machines as an example of a bi-partisan vote in the state senate.

In addition, Harris said the Democrats' advantage among registered voters and elected officials state-wide would not hurt his candidacy. "The first and sixth districts are different than the rest of the state," Harris said. "This district wants someone to rain-in on government spending and support lower taxes."

Voter registration is virtually split between Democrats and Republicans in the First District, with independents encompassing a high number.

Harris said energy independence and the economy would continue to be themes in his campaign.

"We have to bring down the cost of gas," Harris explained, adding, "We can no longer be beholden to those who would do us harm."

He also said the 2001 Bush tax cuts needed to be made permanent.

(Note: Frank Kratovil has issued a response; it will be printed shortly).