Roy Crow

The campaign of Democratic congressional candidate Frank Kratovil has added a pair of Republican officials to its list of supporters.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Kratovil campaign said Kent County Board of Commissioners President Roy Crow and Caroline County Board of Commissioners President Jack Cole -- both Republicans -- are endorsing Kratovil over his GOP opponent, state Sen. Andy Harris.

Kratovil, a Queen Anne's County State's Attorney, has sought to portray himself as a fiscally-conservative moderate over the course of his campaign. On Thursday, his campaign said the two endorsements added credibility to his claim that he represents "Eastern Shore values."

"Jack and Roy are both respected public servants and Eastern Shore leaders, and I'm honored to have their support in this race," Kratovil said in a statement.

"This race isn't about party labels. It is about bringing change to Washington so we can finally start addressing the challenges we face. Fixing our energy policy, cutting wasteful spending, cracking down on illegal immigration, and protecting the Bay will require leaders who can work across party lines to get real results."

Crow said he was throwing his support behind Kratovil because of his track record of public service in the area, while Cole said he supported Kratovil's position on environmental conservation.

The Harris campaign said it would likely have a response later Thursday.

The campaign of First District Republican nominee Andy Harris responded to the GOP support Frank Kratovil received this morning in Kent County.

The Democrat from neighboring Queen Anne's County was joined by Republican Kent Commissioner Roy Crow and several members of Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's staff in a display of his bipartisan appeal.

But Harris campaign manager Chris Meekins disagrees.

"Kratovil now has the support of Governor O'Malley and some disgruntled staff looking to keep their jobs," he said. "I'd call it bi-polar support, not bi-partisan."

Tony Caligiuri, the chief of staff to Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), was among a crowd of approximately 50 guests at a breakfast gathering of the organization “Republicans for Kratovil” at the Kent Center in Chestertown, this morning.

Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) 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.

Other Republicans who attended the breakfast included Tony Caligiuri's wife, Lynn, who has also worked for Gilchrest. Karen Willis, a Gilchrest office manager, attended, along with Kent County Commissioner Roy Crow.

Kent County State's Attorney Robert Strong, a Democrat, was also present.