Low profile events aid Harris and Kratovil in fundraising efforts

In Maryland's 1st Congressional District, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) and State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) each held picnic-style events over the weekend charging roughly $25 a head for adults.

For Kratovil, the Sunday gathering came four days after a Chestertown-based fundraiser, which drew a crowd of roughly 40 people and netted just under $20,000 for the campaign, according to Campaign Manager Steve Meehan.

Meehan was particularly impressed with what he called a "mixed bag of Republicans and Democrats" that were present at the fundraiser.

"It wasn't the usual crowd that I see at a political fundraiser," Meehan said, adding, "There were a lot of people there who were looking to become further involved in the political process."

Gathering in Kennedyville on Saturday, Harris met with roughly 75 potential voters for a picnic that he said gave residents "a chance to meet their congressional candidate."

Friday, Harris estimated the event would bring in roughly $10,000. Chris Meekins, Harris' campaign manager, did not have an exact figure when contacted today by PolitickerMD.com.

Yesterday, Kratovil held a similar event at the Kent Island Yacht Club, which his campaign called a "Family Picnic," including numerous activities for children.

Meehan said he did not know how much money the campaign brought-in from the picnic.

While the weekend gatherings may have been "low-dollar" events and they were not "high target" fundraisers, as Meekins and Meehan explained, they provided Harris and Kratovil with an opportunity to raise money in a race where every dollar may matter.

With the candidates close to even in cash on hand at the end of the first financial quarter, small events like these can go a long way in determining who will be the next representative from the first district.