Gilchrest Chief of Staff appears at Kratovil breakfast

Tony Caligiuri, the chief of staff to Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), was among a crowd of approximately 50 guests at a breakfast gathering of the organization “Republicans for Kratovil” at the Kent Center in Chestertown, this morning.

Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) will face state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in the November election in Maryland's First Congressional District. Harris defeated Gilchrest in the Feb. 12 GOP primary.

Other Republicans who attended the breakfast included Tony Caligiuri's wife, Lynn, who has also worked for Gilchrest. Karen Willis, a Gilchrest office manager, attended, along with Kent County Commissioner Roy Crow.

Kent County State's Attorney Robert Strong, a Democrat, was also present.

“This was the first of what we hope will be many Republicans for Kratovil events,” Erik Gulbrandsen, Kratovil's communications director, said.

Gulbrandsen said the campaign asked for a “small contribution” from those who attended the breakfast, but said the purpose of the event was “more of a get to know” outing.

The communications director would not speculate as to whether the presence of several close Gilchrest staff members was an indication that the congressman would be endorsing Kratovil, saying, “I don't know about that yet.”

“We would welcome that," Gulbrandsen said. “It remains to be seen.”

The congressman has been very vocal in his criticism of Harris since his primary defeat, leading many to believe that the moderate Republican may endorse Kratovil, a moderate Democrat.

Kratovil spoke about several issues at the morning breakfast, including his background as a prosecutor, the environment, illegal immigration, and alternative energy.

His communication director said the audience was “very receptive” to Kratovil’s comments on illegal immigration, particularly his stance that while the United States is “a nation of immigrants,” the country is also a “nation of laws,” and should not reward those who break the law.

Gulbrandsen said the event “was an indication” of Kratovil’s ability to “reach out to everybody in the district,” regardless of party affiliation.

He reiterated a common theme in the campaign, calling Kratovil a “middle of the road politician.”

Beyond the Republicans who gathered this morning, Kent County Commissioner Ronald Fithian, a Democrat, joined the breakfast.

Caligiuri could not be reached for immediate comment.