Kratovil campaign denies rumors of Gilchrest endorsement

The congressional campaign of State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) denied that the candidate will receive the endorsement of Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) at a fundraiser in Stevensville this evening.

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com, Eric Gulbrandsen, Kratovil's communications director, said Gilchrest was "not on the guest list that I've seen."

Kratovil 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.

Given the fact that Gilchrest and Kratovil are both moderates, speculation has arisen that the congressman will endorse Kratovil over the more conservative Harris.

While rumors surfaced saying the endorsement could come as early as this evening, Gulbrandsen said it was simply speculation.

"Not as far as I know," Gulbrandsen said when asked to comment.

The communications director said the fundraiser would largely be attended by "people who have financially supported Frank in the past," adding that he did not expect anyone "major."