Who should I vote for in the 2008 Maryland 1st District House of Representatives Race?
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Being limited to these two candidates would almost certainly alienate some Republican voters who would have preferred incumbent Wayne Gilchrest for supporting troop withdrawal from Iraq while Harris doesn't. Though the race is still cast in their party's favor, electing Kratovil would seem like the more fiscally responsible thing to do. Fortunately, a Libertarian candidate will also appear on the ballot. Side:
 Frank Kratovil (D) The Democratic Party has taken a strong interest in the results of Maryland's 1st Congressional District's race between Democrat Frank Kratovil and Republican Andy Harris. The open House seat is a result of Harris's defeat of Congressman Wayne Gilchrest in the Republican Primary. The Democrats have made the 1st “Number 1 priority for the party” and aided Kratovil with $5 million in addition to his $2 million purse he attained on his own, making this House race one of the most expensive in American history. Side: Number 1 Priority for the Party
Frank Kratovil just picked up a major endorsement from Republican Wayne Gilchrest, the Congressman who was defeated by Harris in February, 2008. Although other MD Republicans say they aren't surprised by this endorsement, they are disappointed, which might be code for they are a little scared. Gilchrest had a very strong following, so many of his voters may vote for Kratovil. Also, this race is closer than Harris and MD Republicans would like it to be and poll numbers show it getting closer as Kratovil attracts more undecided voters. Harris continues to out-raise Kratovil, but he has loaned his campaign upwards of $100,000 in the past. Side: Frank Kratovil
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Wayne is rupset... he did not get his way, he lost. The Eastern Shore has spoken. They spoke loud and clear. Poll numbers mean nothing. There are many undecideds in this election who ever has the better ground game Nov 4th wins. Ground game means having educated poll workers at the polls to answer questions. I am voting for Andy in spirit because he is not in my district. Side: Andy Harris
Harris released an unabashedly proud statement in Annapolis is response to McCain's choosing Palin as a running mate. He said, "People are tired of the way business is done in Washington. The McCain/Palin ticket will bring proven records of reform to Washington. Throughout her career, Governor Palin has put principle above party by exposing corruption at all levels of government. Governor Sarah Palin has a long record of opposing wasteful spending and higher taxes. I am proud Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin are at the top of the Republican ticket. If elected to Congress, I will go to Washington and fight with then President McCain and Vice-President Palin to eliminate wasteful government spending." Now Harris says that Palin has always put principle above political corruption, but what about the charges brought against her for misuse of power in Alaska? According to one of her aides, Palin used her influence as Governor to attempt to get her sister's ex-husband, a state trooper fired. She also has been linked to several congressmen, Ted Stevens, Don Young and Ben Stevens, who have all been indicted and/or investigated for bribery and making false statements. So, exposing her party members, or employing nepotism in shady politics? Which is it for Palin? Is Harris's applauding her "ethics" just party loyalty, or should the Congressional hopeful be more careful regarding his statements of support? Side: Andy Harris
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This is still America "charges" are not an admission of guilt. This is just people in Alaska that are upset with Palin and seeking revenge on her. When you fight corruption people who are part of corruption get upset. If it was not politically motivated maybe clearer thinkers would wait until after the election to bring up charges. She had to testify in court during an election dealing with things far more important for our nation. Side: Andy Harris
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Though Democrats everywhere are insisting that the US cannot simply "drill itself out of a problem", Harris says that untapped oil reserves are the first place that Congress should be looking and that having such reserves is a blessing to the American people. "The United States is blessed to still have vast untapped resources of oil and natural gas. For too long, our nation has depended on unfriendly nations like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia. Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and natural gas will alleviate the pain we feel at the pump and increase our national security. Opening new areas here in America to drilling can be done in an efficient and environmentally sensitive way while giving states the authority to permit or reject drilling off their coast as well as sharing in the royalties. For over 30 years, radical environmental special interest groups, many of whom have endorsed my opponent, have opposed energy exploration and the building of new oil refineries in the United States. That was the wrong approach and needs to be corrected as soon as possible."-Harris Harris calls oil exploration the "next generation" of energy for Americans and condemns solar energy as too expensive to be of any real value to Americans. Is Harris correct in his heavy pushing of oil drilling, or should his plan include a little more than a few hints at renewable energy? Side: Andy Harris
Republican candidate Andy Harris will get a boost in his campaign for the open seat in Maryland's 1st Congressional District by Former Gov. Mitt Romney's appearance at a fundraiser in Baltimore on September 12. Gov. Romney is on presumptive Republican Presidential Nomineee John McCain's short list for Vice President and garners much support from Maryland's Republican Party. Romney will use his status as VP front runner to aid Harris in generating funds to match his competitor for the open seat. Side: Harris to Get Boost from Romney
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