Democrat Kratovil Declared Winner in Maryland Race
- By John McArdle
- Roll Call Staff
- Nov. 7, 2008, 8:59 p.m.
The Associated Press called Maryland’s 1st-district race for Democrat Frank Kratovil on Friday evening, one of a handful of House contests still outstanding from Tuesday’s elections.
Kratovil faced off against state Sen. Andy Harris (R) in the race to replace Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R) in the Eastern Shore-based district. Harris beat Gilchrest in a bitter primary fight and the Republican Congressman went on to endorse and campaign for Kratovil in a general election battle that drew heavy spending by both national parties.
Though the AP called the race, Harris was not ready to concede the race Friday evening and said he was waiting to see what happens when Maryland officials review thousands of provisional ballots on Monday.
“With over 10,000 ballots outstanding, including many military, Andy is planning to wait to see the trend of the counting on Monday and then make a decision,” campaign manager Chris Meekins said.
With the AP’s call of the race, House Democrats have now netted a pickup of 20 seats as a result of Tuesday’s elections.
