Harris Poll Shows Kratovil Down Double Digits
The campaign of state Sen. Andy Harris (R) on Friday circulated an internal poll that showed Rep. Frank Kratovil (D) down by double digits in a hypothetical rematch of their 2008 race in Maryland’s Eastern Shore-based 1st district.Harris earned 52 percent to Kratovil’s 39 percent, with 10 percent undecided, according to a survey of 300 likely voters. The poll, conducted Nov. 15-17 for Harris’ campaign by the Tarrance Group, had a 5.8-point margin of error.In further bad news for the freshman Congressman, the survey found that just 29 percent of voters said they believe Kratovil deserves to be re-elected. Twenty-three percent were unsure, and 49 percent believed a new person deserved a chance. Kratovil was viewed favorably by 43 percent of those surveyed and unfavorably by 30 percent.Kratovil defeated Harris by less than 3,000 votes in one of the closest elections of the 2008 cycle. This year, Harris is back for a rematch and has the support of much of the state and national party establishment. Still, Harris may not have the primary field to himself. Wealthy state Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R), who was involved in a nasty three-way primary with Harris last cycle, is rumored to be considering making another run at the nomination.