As Democrats increase their push to steal the 1st district seat held by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R), who was defeated by conservative state Sen. Andy Harris (R) in last month’s GOP primary, their nominee, Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil (D), has scheduled a fundraising breakfast for Republicans who support his bid.

Kratovil is hoping to pick off moderate Republicans and disaffected Gilchrest supporters who do not want to vote for Harris. Gilchrest himself has hinted that he may opt to endorse the Democrat at some point.

The breakfast has been scheduled for March 11 in Chestertown. According to PolitickerMD.com, Karen Willis, a top Gilchrest staffer, is one of the organizers of the Republicans for Kratovil event.

Meanwhile, in another sign that the Democrats are taking the 1st district race somewhat seriously despite the Republican lean of the district, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) appeared with Kratovil at a forum in Easton on Sunday. Kratovil called the feisty Senator his “role model.”
— Josh Kurtz