Harris fundraises in Harford County, says campaign is ‘halfway’ to $1.2 million goal

Harford County Exec. David Craig: Politicker Photo

Claims GOP Unity

HAVRE DE GRACE-- State Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) held a fundraiser before the Harford County Conservative Business Caucus in the ballroom of the Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace, this evening.

Harris, the GOP nominee in Maryland's 1st Congressional District, was joined by Harford County Executive David Craig (R) and former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), along with a crowd of roughly 60 supporters.

Campaign Manager Chris Meekins told PolitickerMD.com prior to the event that the campaign expected to raise between 40 and $50,000 for the evening.

"The fact of the matter is, you have to raise money," Harris said, addressing the audience.

"You need about $1.2 million to do this," he added. "We're about halfway there."

Andy Harris: Politicker PhotoSpeaking with PolitickerMD.com, Harris said the concept of party unity was "just as important as money."

He confidently declared that the GOP has "already" united behind his candidacy, referring to Craig and Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold (R), both of whom supported nine-term incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) during the GOP primary and have since converted to Harris.

Gilchrest, however, has been critical of Harris since the February primary, and has given every indication that he may, in fact, support the Democratic nominee, Frank Kratovil.

That possibility does not seem to concern Harris.

"Our polling shows the overwhelming majority of (Gilchrest) supporters support my candidacy," Harris said.

"The party's unified," Meekins added.

Meekins seemed to acknowledge that the campaign did not expect to win Gilchrest's support, saying the congressman's lack of an endorsement for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the presidential race, "Indicates where he is."

In this morning's edition of The Hill, a story details 14 House members who have yet to endorse McCain since he became the party's presumptive nominee, Gilchrest included.

Harris said he was "a little surprised" about the congressman's lack of an endorsement for McCain, but said his campaign had moved beyond the primary.

"Our goal is the general election," Harris said.

The state senator said he would "reach out" to Independents and conservative Democrats, saying he was not concerned that his image as a conservative Republican would hurt his chances at winning moderate voters.

"They've always supported me," Harris, who has won his three campaigns for the Senate with relative ease, said of Independents and conservative Democrats.

"I have a common sense approach to issues like energy and taxes," Harris said when asked about appealing to moderates.

"That resonates with voters," Meekins added.