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December 20, 2007 - 21:00

News: Maryland

Kratovil centers campaign on change

By Kevin Agnese

Interview With Campaign Manager

Frank Kratovil, the heavy favorite in the race for the Democratic nomination in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, will be, if elected, a “consensus builder,” according to his campaign manager, Stephen Z. Meehan.

Meehan, who spoke with PolitickerMD.com, stressed that Kratovil had the ability to reach-out to both Democrats and Republicans—a key in the heavily conservative district. The seat is currently held by nine-term incumbent Republican Wayne Gilchrest. Gilchrest, a moderate, is facing a challenge for his party’s nomination by state Sens. Andy Harris and E.J. Pipkin.

Kratovil’s campaign raised an estimated $60,000 from two recent fundraisers hosted by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Attorney General Doug Gansler. This was very important because according to Meehan, “late November through December is typically a very difficult time to raise money.”

In addition, Meehan said that there were four major issues affecting the people of 1st district and the nation as a whole; the war in Iraq, health care, the environment, and rising fuel prices.

“We have to get the next Congress and a new president to focus on Iraq and Afghanistan,” Meehan said. “We have to focus on stability in the Middle East.”

Earlier this week, at a Baltimore fundraiser, Kratovil said “an all-out diplomatic” process needed to begin in Iraq, and said “we must get out as soon as possible.”

Meehan tied the rise in energy costs to the war, and said, “The sooner we crack Iraq—the better.”

On health care, Meehan stressed the need to provide coverage to the 47 million uninsured Americans, and said Kratovil supported “universal coverage.”

Meehan also said greater efforts needed to be taken to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay. He said Kratovil would focus on issues like farm practices and vehicle emissions as a way to combat pollution.

“It’s going to take a skilled legislator,” to improve environmental standards, Meehan later added.

Meehan did weigh-in on the Republican field, but warned against losing focus in his own campaign.

“You have to play your game,” he said. “Don’t worry about your opponent.”

He did say, however, that Gilchrest had been “exed-out of his own party.”

Meehan also referred to internal polling numbers from last April, which he said revealed that “sixty percent,” of District 1 voters claimed that they “would vote for change,” in the next congressional election.

Throughout the interview, Meehan highlighted Kratovil’s ability to secure support from both political parties.

“Frank’s greatest strength is that he is a consensus builder,” Meehan said.

He also said the candidate was a “great campaigner.”

The support from the governor was very important to the campaign, according to Meehan. He said O’Malley viewed Kratovil as a “leader who will take the message to Washington and deliver.”

Kratovil is currently serving in his second term as the State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County.

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