First District Red to Blue Reactions

"I am honored that Chairman Van Hollen has confidence in my campaign," said Frank Kratovil according to the Star Democrat. "Being listed among the Red to Blue campaigns means we have shown that we connect with the voters in Maryland's 1st District and have the support and momentum needed to win."

"As a prosecutor, Frank Kratovil knows how to protect his community and in Congress, Frank will work to forge a stronger, safer and more prosperous future," according to U. S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen and DCCC Chairman as quoted in the Record Observer.

The Cecil Whig notes that "according to the DCCC Web site, the Red to Blue program 'highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.' The DCCC said 37 Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives are in the Red to Blue program."

Reports PolitickerMD: "'The candidates for change being named to the DCCC Red to Blue program are running strong campaigns and are committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts,' U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Kensington), chairman of the DCCC, said in a statement. 'With less than five months to make their case for change to voters in their districts, the Red to Blue program will give these candidates the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November.' In 2006, the DCCC raised roughly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns through the Red to Blue program--an average of $404,000 per campaign."

[PolitickerMD article]

Kratovil Hires McCann as Campaign Manager

"I'm excited to be joining the Kratovil team," said Tim McCann as quoted in the Sunday Star Democrat. "This is going to be one of the most hotly-contested races in the country this fall, and I'm looking forward to helping Frank win in November. Frank will be the independent voice in Washington that 1st District voters deserve and expect."

"McCann, a 2003 Georgetown University graduate, comes to Kratovil's campaign with a background in campaign management and new media strategy. He has worked on Democratic campaigns at the municipal, congressional, and statewide levels and spent the 2006 election cycle serving as deputy campaign manager on the gubernatorial campaign of Texas Democrat Chris Bell," reports the Sunday Star Democrat.

With Tim McCann taking over as Campaign Manager on July 1, volunteer Marie Duffield will focus on field operations, reports PolitickerMD. "I'm excited to have Tim coming on board. Our volunteer staff has done a great job so far and I know they'll continue to excel under his direction," said Kratovil. "Tim's background in competitive Congressional politics will give us a big boost as our campaign continues to build momentum and draw national attention."

The Baltimore Examiner reports that McCann "has worked in a number of races in Republican-held congressional districts. 'It's a big sign of momentum,' he said. 'Fundraising is picking up,' including a Capitol Hill event Thursday hosted by Maryland senators and representatives that raised about $80,000. 'This is going to be one of the biggest races in the country,' said McCann, who has been a consultant for Sutter's Mill Fundraising & Strategy in Washington, D.C."

[Examiner article] [PolitickerMD article]

Please join the Kratovil for Congress Campaign at these public events. Please be aware, however, that there is much overlap in the events, and while Frank Kratovil strives to attend, conflicts do occur.

Thursday, July 3
Northeast Salute to Vets
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Northeast.

Friday, July 4
Severna Park Parade
10:00 - 1:00 p.m. Starts at St. Martin's-in-the-Field on Benfield Road and Our Shepherd Lutheran churches and ends at the festival at Cypress Creek Park. Details.

Friday, July 4
Bel Air Parade
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Starts at Gordon and Bond Streets.

Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6
Cambridge Festival
Daily at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge. Details.

Wednesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 12
Talbot County Fair
Daily at Talbot Agricultural Center on Hiners Lane in Easton.

Thursday, July 10 - Sunday, July 13
Baltimore County Fair
Daily at the Fairgrounds on York Road in Timonium.

Saturday, July 12
Perry Hall Town Fair
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Ebenezer Road in Perry Hall.

Wednesday, July 16
Tawes Annual Crab Feast
12:30 -4:00 p.m. at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield.

Wednesday, July 16 - Saturday, July 19
Kent County 4-H Fair
Daily at the Kent Agricultural Center in Rock Hall.

Friday, July 18 - Saturday, July 26
Cecil County Fair
Daily at the Fair Hill Fairgrounds.

Bay Issues Matter Most for First District
Baltimore Sun; June 23, 2008; Letter by Laura Sargent

The Sun's article "Group backs Kratovil's run" (June 19) implied that whoever can raise more funds will be the winner of the First District congressional race. While I understand that money helps get a candidate's name out, I do not believe we should pick our leaders based on who can raise more money. How long are people going to concentrate on the question of funding rather than on what truly matters - the issues? And, having lived on the Chesapeake Bay my entire life, state Sen. Andy Harris' track record worries me.

According to the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Mr. Harris has a lifetime rating of just 9 percent on environmental legislation.In the 2007 legislative session, Mr. Harris voted against a ban on the harmful practice of hydraulic dredging in coastal bays, against a ban on phosphorus in dishwashing detergent, against solar energy and against tightening auto emissions standards. Mr. Harris may have more money than Mr. Kratovil. But will he be better for the First District?

[Article]

Kratovil, Harris Disagree on Offshore Drilling
PolitickerMD; June 19, 2008; Comment on article

We can drill responsibly? Dr. Harris has clearly done a good job mastering the Republican talking points. That skill will come in handy if he is elected, since he will be a shill for the Club for Growth. The bottom line is that according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) existing North Slope oil development has resulted in more than a spill a day on average, since 1996.

Bush’s own Energy Department estimates that at peak production, the most Arctic Refuge oil will affect gas prices is four cents a gallon. It begs the question, if oil was found under the Bay’s oyster beds and crab grass; would Andy sell out the Bay for four cents a gallon?

You can’t break an addiction with just one more fix. Andy Harris needs an intervention. Send Frank Kratovil to Congress.

More Kratovil Campaign Interns

Seven interns have joined the Kratovil Campaign in recent weeks and are busy helping the campaign staff in the office, as field interns, and driving/assisting Frank Kratovil. In the last issue we introduced Zach Fang, Brian Kemmet, Alexandra Lopez, and Nicholas Mongelluzzo. We'd like to introduce three more in this issue and welcome all our interns to the Kratovil for Congress Campaign. We appreciate their assistance, their skills, and the fresh approach they bring to the campaign.

Vikki Garcia will be entering her senior year at the University of Baltimore this fall.  She is majoring in Government and Public Policy.  She has been married for 25 years and is the mother of four children.  Vikki enjoys reading, watching congressional committee hearings and debates, taking long walks and listening to music.  She cares about women’s and children’s education, healthcare and safety.  Vikki is interested in policy analysis and plans to take a legislative internship in the spring of 2009.  

Joseph Steuert will begin his junior year at Loyola College this fall as an English major. Joe works as Frank Kratovil's driver and personal aide during events.   Born in New York City, Joe attended Darien Public Schools in Darien, Connecticut, from first grade until graduation from high school.  He played lacrosse and soccer in high school and now plays on the Loyola College Club Lacrosse Team.  

Abigail Turner begins her senior year at the University of Maryland College Park campus this fall majoring in Government and Politics, as well as History. Previously she worked as a student page at Maryland's House of Representatives and as head sailing instructor at the Corsica River Yacht Club in Centreville. Abby assists at Campaign Headquarters in Stevensville.

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