Kratovil says Harris would be ‘one of the most conservative people in Congress’

First District candidate Frank Kratovil meets with young Democrats in TowsonSpeaking before the Baltimore County Young Democrats in Towson this evening, congressional candidate and State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) said his opponent in Maryland's First Congressional District, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville), was "divisive" and would be "one of the most conservative people in Congress."

Kratovil said he expected the Harris campaign would continue to attempt to link him to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

"He says I would vote straight party line because that's what he does," Kratovil said of Harris. "He votes straight party line."

"I'll vote the way I think is appropriate," Kratovil said.

The moderate Kratovil called the governor a friend, but said, "We don't agree on everything," specifically referring to illegal immigration.

As an example of his political moderation, Kratovil highlighted the fact that Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) appointed him to the Maryland State Board of Victims Services, as a prosecutor.

He also claimed Harris and other "ultra conservative" Republicans were far too focused on tax issues, saying more attention needed to be spent on the war in Iraq, health care, the environment, and veterans relief.

"We need to make sure they get the resources they need when they get home," Kratovil said of returning war veterans.

On the environment, Kratovil said enthusiasm and "momentum" generated from Al Gore's award winning documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," signaled that it was an ideal time for action.

"(Harris) has one of the worst environmental voting records in the legislator," Kratovil said, referring to the senator's 2004 opposition to the so-called flush tax, which established the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration Fund.

Kratovil was also highly critical of Harris' primary campaign victory over incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), saying the large sum of money Harris raised from the conservative political action committee the Club For Growth, along with the portrayal of fetuses in anti-Gilchrest ads was intended to "divide people."

"Politics should be about bringing people together," Kratovil said. "(Harris) divides people."

"We need to recognize that there are differing views," Kratovil told the crowd. "The truth is usually somewhere in the middle."

Addressing the youthful audience, Kratovil reminded those present that he served as the president of the Young Democrats of Maryland from 1997 and 1998, where he was selected by Gov. Parris Glendening (D) to represent the United States on the American Council of Young Political Leaders' conference in Taiwan.

Kratovil, 39, referred to the tumultuous year of his birth, 1968, and said those lost during that year, namely Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired and led to his political involvement.

"We have a responsibility to one another," Kratovil said. "It isn't just about us."

He encouraged the young people present, largely composed of high school students, to get involved and volunteer for his campaign through sign waving, phone-banking, and other grassroots efforts.

The candidate said he enjoyed speaking to young people about politics because of their commitment to "justice" and lack of "cynicism."

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com at the conclusion of the event, Kratovil said he was confident that young people would support his campaign.

"You have to bring that hope and vision for the future," Kratovil said.

The candidate also said he expected the excitement generated from the presidential campaign would aide his campaign with young voters.

Del. Stephen Lafferty (D-Stoneleigh) and Circuit Court Judge Pat Stringer (D) were also present at the event.

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