Christopher Robinson

Rep. Chris Van HollenRep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Kensington), the chairman of the 2008 Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), was the honorary host of a fundraiser held on behalf of congressional candidate and State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) at Cottingham Farm in Easton, this evening.

Kratovil will face Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in the November election in Maryland’s First Congressional District.

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com, Van Hollen called Kratovil a “terrific candidate” who “fits the political temperament of the district” and has a “good chance” of winning.

“We will do everything we can to support his effort,” Van Hollen said of the DCCC.

Erik Gulbrandsen, Kratovil’s communications director, said he did not know how much money the campaign expected to raise from the event, but said the cost was $250 per person.

On the fundraising question, Kratovil told PolitickerMD.com that he was pleased with the recent numbers from the first financial quarter reports, saying, “We’re dead even in cash on hand.”

Fundraising totals from the first financial quarter show that state Sen. Andy Harris “is gaining momentum heading into the general election,” Chris Meekins, his campaign manager, told PolitickerMD.com.

Harris (R-Cockeysville) defeated incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) in the 1st Congressional District’s GOP primary and will face Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) in the November election.

Information released Saturday by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed Harris raised $401,168.22 through the March 31 first quarter deadline, and has $205,688 cash on hand.

Kratovil raised $189,713.87 and has $182,058 cash on hand, according to the report.

Despite raising $211,454.35 more than Kratovil, Harris only has $23,630 more in cash on hand than his Democratic opponent.

Steve Meehan, the campaign manager for the congressional campaign of Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville), discussed his candidates’ victory over Christopher Robinson in yesterday’s Democratic primary in Maryland’s First Congressional District.

“We’re very happy,” Meehan said. “I’m glad we stuck with our plan.”

Kratovil, the State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County, defeated Robinson, an attorney from Dorchester County, 40% to 31%.

Early returns show Frank Kratovil leading the early returns in the District 1 Democratic primary.

With 7% of the precincts in, Kratovil leads Christopher Robinson 53%-26%.

First District Debate: In Wye MillsWYE MILLS - Democratic and Republican candidates competing in the race to serve Maryland in the First Congressional District participated in a debate this afternoon here at Chesapeake College.

Seven candidates, including Republicans Wayne Gilchrest, Andy Harris, and Robert Banks, along with Democrats Frank Kratovil, Christopher Robinson, Steve Harper, and Joseph Werner were present. GOP candidates E.J. Pipkin and Joe Arminio were absent.

The debate focused on a variety of issues, including the war in Iraq, illegal immigration, health care, the deficit, and the environment. Audience members posed questions to the candidates throughout the course of the event.

Frank Kratovil may get a lot of good talk from the Democratic Congressional Campaigns Committee. But will he get a lot of good financing?

With Republican infighting already reaching a fever pitch in the race for U.S. Congress from the First District, Democrats are increasingly confident in their chances of capturing the seat.

Frank Kratovil“There’s not a whole lot we can do except sit back and smile,” said Maryland Democratic Party spokesman David Paulsen. “The more they fight the more they nick and damage each other. At this point it looks like it doesn’t matter who wins.”

Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, who is serving his eighth term, is facing a primary challenge from prominent State Senators E.J. Pipkin, 51, and Andy Harris, 60.

Pipkin and Harris are portraying Gilchrest as too moderate. And Pipkin and Harris are squabbling over who is more conservative.