Gilchrest featured in new Kratovil ad

U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) is featured in the third and latest ad from the campaign of 1st District Democrat Frank Kratovil.

"I'm Wayne Gilchrest," the outdoors advocate says while standing by the waterfront. "I'm a Republican, but I'm reaching across party lines to support Frank Kratovil for Congress."

Gilchrest was defeated by state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville), a more conservative Republican, in the Feb. 12 primary. The bitter battle and Gilchrest's refusal to concede the race to Harris left many under the impression that he would buck party label and endorse the man he would have faced off against had he won.

Like other Kratovil ads, the focus is on his credentials as a prosecutor and political independence.

"He'll put common sense ahead of politics. I love this place we call home," Gilchrest continues. "It's more important to me than partisanship."

Given the opening, the Harris campaign is using the endorsement as an opportunity to grab the 'change' mantle, which has been a predominant theme for Democrats this year.

"Voters want a change from the failed policies of Congress of raising taxes, increasing wasteful spending, and failing to solve our energy crisis," spokesperson Chris Meekins said. "Andy Harris represents a change, Frank Kratovil obviously represents more of the same."

Meekins also challenged Gilchrest and Kratovil on the issues, saying they "put the radical environmental special interest groups ahead of the needs of Maryland families" by citing their opposition to "expanding domestic exploration of oil and natural gas."