NRCC MEMO: MARYLAND PRIMARY RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
SUBJECT: MARYLAND PRIMARY RESULTS
MD-01 (Rep. Frank Kratovil, D)
In 2008, Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil narrowly defeated State Senator Andy Harris in Maryland’s First Congressional District. Kratovil’s victory was due in large part to the blank-slate nature of his candidacy and the political environment at the time, which leaned heavily Democrat. But even then, this was one of the closest congressional races of 2008. In March of 2009, Harris announced that he would seek a rematch against Kratovil in 2010. Harris – one of the GOP’s most well-funded congressional candidates – demonstrated tonight that he’s battle-tested and ready to finish the job and defeat Frank Kratovil.
After two years in office, Kratovil has a record that is out-of-touch in this conservative district – especially with a political environment that favors the GOP. Kratovil is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of self-described “conservative” Democrats. However, his votes for the failed stimulus bill and the job-killing national energy tax, and his support for a government-run public healthcare option – despite his no vote on the final bill – have angered many taxpayers in this conservative area of Maryland.
This year, with the shift in political climate, Kratovil’s liberal record, and formidable GOP nominee Andy Harris on the ballot again, Republicans have a clear path to victory on Election Day. Harris, who was among the first GOP candidates across the country to achieve ‘Young Gun’ status, the top tier of the NRCC’s three-level Young Guns recruitment program, has already proven his ability to build a winning campaign and achieve vital fundraising goals. In fact, Harris outraised Kratovil by $38,000 for the pre-primary fundraising period between July 1 and August 25.
Andy Harris, M.D. was elected to the Maryland Senate in 1998 and is serving his third term. The only physician in the Senate, Senator Harris currently serves on the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee (Health Subcommittee) and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He served as Senate Minority Whip during the Ehrlich administration. Harris, who was a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps, brings to the race a wealth of experience with several issues critically important to the people of Maryland’s First District. His extensive medical background combined with a demonstrated dedication and selfless service to his country and community make him an excellent candidate to represent the First District of Maryland.
With his impressive two-to-one victory over a primary opponent described by the Associated Press as a “tough foe” who “mounted a strong challenge,” Andy Harris has proven that he is prepared to put this conservative seat back in the Republican column. Harris’ positive vision for Maryland will lead him to victory over freshman Democrat Frank Kratovil and his big-government, big-spending policies.
History: Maryland’s First Congressional District generally leans Republican according to election history and maintains a strong trace of conservatism, despite the even number of registered Democrats and Republicans. The district had been in Republican hands for 18 consecutive years until Kratovil took office in 2008. In 2004, George W. Bush carried Maryland’s First District with 62 percent of the vote, while John McCain won with 58 percent in 2008. The PVI rating for the district is R+13 and most independent election analysts cite Kratovil as the underdog this November.
Geography: The First District includes all nine counties of the Eastern Shore, and extends across the Chesapeake Bay and covers conservative parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford Counties.
Election Results
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Maryland.
These results are UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE until certified by the Maryland Secretary of State:
*Denotes winner
MD-01:
GOP Primary
35.0% precincts reporting
Harris 17,661 67.6%
Fisher 8,480 32.4%