In an attempt to put to rest any notion that Democrats might be able to steal the 1st district now that conservative state Sen. Andy Harris has beaten moderate Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in the Republican primary, the National Republican Congressional Committee released a poll last week that showed Harris with a 15-point lead over the Democratic candidate.

The survey of 300 likely voters conducted Feb. 15-16, just days after the state’s Feb. 12 primary, showed Harris leading Queen Anne County State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil (D) 37 percent to 22 percent. The poll, which had a 6-point error margin, also showed that if the general election were held now the district would vote for a Republican Congressional candidate over a Democrat, 46 percent to 31 percent.

“The district is a GOP stronghold where Republicans currently have a 15-point edge on the generic ballot,” NRCC spokeswoman Betsy Andres said. “Andy Harris is a strong candidate and a proven vote-getter who has attracted support from Republicans and Democrats in the past. This seat will undoubtedly remain in the red column in 2008.”
— John McArdle