Incoming U.S. Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) began freshman orientation this week. The new member orientation for the 111th Congress consisted of various seminars - briefing the incoming members on a number of matters including getting around Capitol Hill, House rules and procedures,  and staffing, according to the Kratovil campaign.

Kratovil also attended his first meeting with the conservative Blue Dog Democratic caucus this week, which endorsed Kratovil during the general. Kratovil called the experience "invaluable" and said it will allow him "to handle all of the paperwork and procedural stumbling blocks ahead of time so that we can get right to work fixing our economy, securing our middle class, and protecting the environment."

According to the campaign, the second part of the week will focus on committee assignments. Kratovil has expressed interest in joining committees that impact his constituents the most, including the Committees on Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, or Transportation and Infrastructure.

Kratovil's press secretary, Kevin Lawlor, said Kratovil is looking into staffing options and has been expecting resumes, but called the matter "a personnel issue," and declined to give further details.

Kratovil, the current Queen Anne's County state's Attorney, defeated state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) for the 1st Congressional District seat in November.