Top Gilchrest staffer kicks-off 'Republicans for Kratovil'

First District Democrat Frank Kratovil is holding the first of what is expected to be many ‘Republicans for Kratovil’ events in Kent County next Tuesday, announcing the roster of hosts this afternoon.

They are: Scott Bramble, Joseph C. Flanagan, Jr., Frank Frohn, Trey Hill, Howard Rose and, finally, Karen Willis – long-time District Office Manager for Rep. Wayne Gilchrest’s Chestertown outpost.

While some of the hosts had been supporting Kratovil since before the primary, Willis was certainly not of them. She’s intimately involved in managing the federal grants for much of the Eastern Shore, handling the Congressman’s outreach in Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Talbot and Anne Arundel counties.

In an accompanying release, Kratovil praised Gilchrest – whose 33% is the worst take for an incumbent in a non-redistricting primary this decade – and shunned Andy Harris’ winning campaign.

“We all share a common respect for Congressman Wayne Gilchrest because of his character and his commitment to excellent constituent service and advancing issues important to the First District,” Kratovil said. “As a prosecutor, I have to make decisions based on facts and law, right and wrong, not partisan grandstanding.”

Earlier this week, Gilchrest told Roll Call he has already decided who – but not when – he will endorse.

Much to the consternation of NRCC Chair Tom Cole, he gave a telling clue on how he made his decision.

“Let's see, the Republican Party, or my eternal soul?" Gilchrest said.

"Party loyalty, or integrity?”