Even steven

Yesterday it came out that Andy Harris and Frank Kratovil were about even as far as campaign cash on hand, both with around $200,000 in the bank to spend. (It's about a $30k difference, peanuts in a campaign like this.) While the big news was that Harris outraised Kratovil by a 2-to-1 margin in the first quarter, it bears reminding readers that the GOP side was where most of the action took place and few people (probably only the other candidates on that side and their families) doubted that Frank Kratovil wouldn't lock up the Democrats' nod once Frank acquired the state's machine behind him. It shows in the wide disparity in spending that placed the candidates on their even footing as we stand almost 7 months out from Election Day.

We've seen that Harris can raise tremendous amounts of money but now the question becomes whether he can translate that cash into volunteers and votes. While the Eastern Shore is by nature rather conservative, it is a brand of conservatism that sometimes crosses party lines and thus far Frank Kratovil has shrewdly attempted to run pretty close to the center; even picking off a few Republicans who openly back him. This rear guard action needs to be addressed by local GOP leaders because the last thing we need is a split in the party. My personal message to these folks is that Wayne lost, get over it! You may think Frank Kratovil is centrist but let me tell you there aren't many people raised in PG County who are that way based on the way they've voted over the last several decades.

Also, while the union vote is sort of weak in this area they are stronger on the Western Shore and that's the area Andy Harris needs to keep securely in his column as it was in the primary. I do know the teachers' union locally will be out in full force supporting Kratovil with bodies because they've kept a yard sign in front of their place since before the February primary.

Looking out on the horizon it appears that I'm taking a vacation day in November because I love dealing with union thugs at the polls - trust me, coming from where I do I'm used to it. (Teachers, though, aren't usually as large and mean-looking as Jeep workers.) The unionistas will be having a field day since something tells me that besides shilling for Democrats Big Labor will also make a push for both early voting and for legalizing slots here in Maryland and I'm for neither. Just keep in mind that if you're someone who agrees with me that we need a Congressman who is for keeping more money in your pocket, preserving the rights we're still hanging on to, and taking the fight to terrorists, you'll be out there in the trenches with me supporting Andy Harris. And what a perfect day to talk about Democrats and their philosophy as you sweat out those last desperate hours before the tax bill comes due.

Of course, if you want higher taxes, surrender to terrorists, and someone like Hillary Clinton in charge of your health care you can hang out with the teachers.  It's your choice.