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 said 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 fewer 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.

A spokesman for Kratovil said they weren’t putting much stock in the poll. Democrats noted that a poll done for Harris’ campaign in July 2008 showed him ahead by 16 points.

“If there is one lesson to be learned from 2008, it is that Andy Harris polls aren’t worth the paper they are printed on,— Kratovil spokesman Kevin Lawlor said.