CENTREVILLE – The 18-month campaign for control of Maryland’s 1st Congressional District finally ended Tuesday, as Republican Andy Harris conceded defeat and Democrat Frank Kratovil relished his slim 2,100-vote lead that grew as absentee and provisional ballots were counted.
“I don’t intend to go to Washington to follow any particular party, any particular platform, any particular agenda or even any president,” Kratovil told dozens of supporters at the Queen Anne’s County Courthouse, where he’s prosecuted many a case as the state’s attorney. He said he plans on being on being “an independent voice for the people of this district,” and “I hope to continue the legacy of Congressman Gilchrest,” the 18-year Republican veteran Harris defeated in a contentious February primary.
It was Wayne Gilchrest’s own record of independence from his party and president on the Iraq war, taxes and spending that had angered some Republicans and led Harris, a conservative Baltimore County state senator, to challenge him.
Ultimately, after primary voters had turned on him, Gilchrest turned on Harris and the party, endorsing Kratovil in early September, providing a key turning point for the campaign.
Also key to Kratovil’s victory, both camps acknowledge, was the support of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which spent close to $2 million on TV ads and mailers lambasting Harris’ record. Kratovil thanked the Maryland congressional delegation for its support, particularly DCCC Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
After he saw Kratovil’s lead on election night grow from 900 votes to 2,100 votes Monday, Harris phoned him Tuesday morning to offer his congratulations, even though there are still overseas absentee ballots to count.
“We vigorously debated many issues throughout this campaign, but now it’s time for us to all come together as Americans united to solve the many serious problems facing this country,” Harris told his supporters at Salisbury courthouse. “Pretty clearly, the American people have spoken and delivered a message and chosen a direction different than the one I would have chosen.”
Harris deflected questions about another run at the seat, even as supporters urged him to do so. Asked about holding onto the seat, Kratovil said he hoped he could demonstrate to the people who did not vote for him that he could represent their interests as well.
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