Freshman Kratovil continues preparation for Congress with Harvard conference

Frank Kratovil has yet to be sworn in as a freshman Congressman, but he is already heading back to school for some extra credit.

Following his formal new member orientation, the 1st Congressional District's incoming Representative headed to Cambridge, Massachusetts this week to attend a conference on preparation for his new job.

Kratovil will join 39 other incoming members of Congress for the biennial program at the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Kratoivil said the conference will help him "hit the ground running" when he's sworn in this January.

"This particular program has helped prepare new members of Congress for legislative effectiveness for over three decades," Kratovil said in a statement. "These programs will give me the tools to represent my friends and neighbors in the First District to the best of my ability in Washington, D.C."

The Kratovil campaign said the sessions will focus on numerous policy matters including the federal budget, education, energy and national security. The conference is scheduled for Dec. 2 through Dec. 5.

Kratovil defeated state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) for Maryland's open 1st District seat in November. The seat was held by Republican Wayne Gilchrest -- who endorsed Kratovil in the general election -- for nearly two decades.