New Harris ad features medical background

A new spot for State Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) shows the 1st District congressional hopeful in a brand new light -- and outfit.

"As a doctor and legislator, I'm always working to help families make their lives better," Harris says from an operating room in blue medical scrubs. "But it doesn't take a doctor to see Congress is making things worse."

Though campaign materials have shown him in his scrubs before, this is the first time his role as an obstetric anesthesiologist takes center stage. The ad may help Harris soften his image from that of a political brawler, after a long and brutal GOP primary battle with incumbent U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) and state Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Stevensville).

'Dr. Andy' is a side that is unfamiliar to those who know Harris primarily for his conservative politics. Since winning the primary, his campaign has increased the focus on his medical background, even adopting the slogan "Prescription for Prosperity."

Harris also instructs young doctors as an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, his alma mater. The three-term state senator has been a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps since 1988, with active service during Operation Desert Storm.

The commercial has been switched into the Salisbury broadcast ad-buy for his last spot, and will also play on cable during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. It also promises to find solutions to health care, reducing government spending and solving the energy crisis and does not mention his Democratic opponent, Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil.