Harris ‘not concerned’ about lack of NRCC Funds

State Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) told PolitickerMD.com that he was "not concerned" about the lack of funding his congressional campaign is expecting to receive from the financially strapped National Republican Congressional Committee.

"I've always been able to raise funds in state Senate," Harris said, adding, "I've been near the top in money raised among Republicans."

The NRCC spent $1.27 million, nearly 20 percent of their cash on hand, on last Tuesday's special election in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District, where the Democratic candidate prevailed. The committee has spent more than $3 million, all in losing efforts, in its attempts to hold GOP seats in Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Still, Harris dismissed the importance of receiving assistance from the NRCC.

"There are probably 50 races that are more competitive than this one," Harris, expressing confidence in his ability to win the seat, said. "So, I didn't expect money from the NRCC."

Harris will face State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) in the November election in a race that is increasingly tightening, according to several political pundits.

Despite Harris out raising Kratovil by more than a 2-to-1 margin, the two candidates reported similar numbers in cash on hand at the end of the first financial quarter on March 31. Harris had to spend much more in the final weeks of his successful primary victory.

Much like his reaction to the lack of NRCC funds, this fact did not bother Harris.

"We've consistently been able to raise between 3 and $400,000 per quarter," Harris said. "I am confident that we will be able to maintain that through November."

Harris raised $401,168.22 through the first quarter deadline, and had $205,688 cash on hand, according to his campaign, while Kratovil raised $189,713.87 and had $182,058 cash on hand. Those figures were slightly skewed given a $20,000 loan that Harris provided to his campaign fund.