Vice President Joseph Biden is serving as the special guest at a fundraiser next week for embattled Rep. Frank Kratovil, as top Democrats are barnstorming the campaign trail in the final stretch before the midterm elections.

The Maryland Democrat is in a difficult race against Republican Andy Harris in a rematch of the 2008 election.

The Oct. 28 fundraiser is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the home of Maryland Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Turnbull, who sent an e-mail Friday promoting the event.

“This intimate event is sure to be energizing and informative as the Vice President joins us in the closing days of the 2010 campaign,” Turnbull wrote.

The invitation lists four levels of contributions for attendees, with the maximum being $2,400. The first 35 people to contribute at the $2,400 or $1,000 levels are eligible for the picture line.