Despite trailing Harris in 1Q fundraising, Kratovil campaign expresses confidence

Despite trailing Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in money raised and cash on hand, the campaign of Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) expressed confidence in their first quarter earnings during an interview today with PolitickerMD.com.

According to data released by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Kratovil raised $189,713.87 through the March 31 first quarter deadline, leaving him with $182,058 cash on hand.

Harris raised $401,168.22 and has $205,688 cash on hand for his campaign in Maryland’s First Congressional District.

Kratovil Communications Director Erik Gulbrandsen said he was “pleased” at the numbers, calling it a “good start,” particularly considering “we are so close in cash on hand.”

Despite raising more than twice the amount of Kratovil, Harris had to spend $570,000 near the end of his successful primary campaign, while Kratovil only spent $90,000.

“The relatively high levels of fundraising on both sides indicate that this is a serious, competitive race,” Dr. Melissa Deckman, the chair of the Political Science department at Washington College in Chestertown, said.

“Kratovil has been luckier to this point as he did not have to dip too much into his war chest during the primary,” Deckman added.

Still, Harris has more cash on hand and Gulbrandsen acknowledged, “We’re going to have to work hard to raise as much money as we can.”

On another matter, CQ Politics recently changed their assessment of the race from “Safe Republican” to “Republican Favored,” saying “there is at least a slight and feasible chance of an upset” by Kratovil.

Gulbrandsen called the report “heartening,” but said the campaign already has “confidence.”

Chris Meekins, Harris’ campaign manager, could not be reached for comment.