Vitale: The 1st District was 'Parrismandered' for the GOP

LUTHERVILLE -- If Republican Andy Harris is defeated in his bid for U.S. Congress, the state Republican Party has a problem, according to Sergio Vitale, a restaurant owner and unofficial state Senate candidate.

Harris, a state Senator from Cockeysville, is currently running against Democrat Frank Kratovil, the Queen Anne's County state Attorney, for Maryland's open 1st District seat. Vitale -- who has his sights on Harris's state Senate seat should he win -- says it's Harris's race to lose.

"If Andy doesn't get elected in that District then I think the party's got a problem," Vitale told PolitickerMD.com at the 42nd District Republican Club's Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Friday. Vitale suggests the District was "Parrismandered" to the GOP's advantage. "That's it. That's the last Alamo for the Republican Party."

Vitale was referencing the 2000 Congressional re-districting map. The changes occurred while former Democratic Gov. Parris Glendenning was in office. In 2000, Democrats and Republicans each held four U.S. House seats in Maryland. That changed in 2002 after re-districting, leaving Democrats with a 6 to 2 stronghold.

Local Republicans have expressed even more concern about the Congressional outlook in recent weeks - fearing the number could soon be 7-to-1. Kratovil -- once seen as the underdog -- has banked on a national Democratic wave, an effective strategy and a key endorsement from the seat's current occupant - U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville).

"He's positioned himself as some sort of independent. Some sort of quasi-Republican," Vitale said of Kratovil. "But when you look at where he is on the issues, he's not."

Vitale feels Harris's momentum was heading in the wrong direction a few weeks ago, but says the "more aggressive" television ads have turned things around. "He's gotta win," Vitale added.

If Harris wins, the Harford and Baltimore County Republican Central Committees will nominate his successor. In addition to Vitale, former Del. Al Redmer (R-Baltimore County) and Del. J.B. Jennings (R-Harford County) have set their sights on the seat.

Over 200 people attended the annual event, which grossed over $4,500, according to the organizers. Tickets were priced at $20 per head in advance and $25 at the door. A table sponsor was $180 per table. Vitale's restaurant was one of several local eateries to provide the evening's Dinner.