[img_assist|nid=1945|title=Rep. Chris Van Hollen|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=420|height=235]Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Kensington), the chairman of the 2008 Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC, was the honorary host of a fundraiser held on behalf of congressional candidate and State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) at Cottingham Farm in Easton, this evening.

Kratovil will face Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) in the November election in Maryland's First Congressional District.

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com, Van Hollen called Kratovil a "terrific candidate" who "fits the political temperament of the district" and has a "good chance" of winning.

"We will do everything we can to support his effort," Van Hollen said of the DCCC.

Erik Gulbrandsen, Kratovil's communications director, said he did not know how much money the campaign expected to raise from the event, but said the cost was $250 per person.

On the fundraising question, Kratovil told PolitickerMD.com that he was pleased with the recent numbers from the first financial quarter reports, saying, "We're dead even in cash on hand."

Information released by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed Harris raised $401,168.22 through the March 31 first quarter deadline, and has $205,688 cash on hand.

Kratovil raised $189,713.87 and has $182,058 cash on hand, according to the report.

However, the numbers also show that Harris loaned his campaign $20,000, putting the cash on hand race in the aforementioned "dead heat."

"We're moving along," Kratovil said of his financial situation. "I think we've raised more money than any Democrat since (former congressman Tom) McMillen."

On Harris, Kratovil said, "He raised a lot of that (money) before the primary and he's spent an enormous amount."

Harris had to spend $570,000 near the end of his successful primary campaign against incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), while Kratovil only spent $90,000 in the final weeks before his victory over Cambridge attorney Christopher Robinson.

Kratovil said he was "not concerned" at Harris' ability to raise money, saying, "What concerns me is the amount being raised from out of the state."

He referred to the large sum of money Harris received during the primary campaign from the Club For Growth, the conservative political action committee (PAC), and questioned where Harris' loyalties would lie if he is elected.

In addition, Kratovil said the campaign would look to expand their online fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, Van Hollen said Kratovil would be able to "reach a lot of voters" through his "pragmatic approach to the issues."

"This is in keeping with the approach Wayne Gilchrest took," Van Hollen said.

The DCCC chair said Harris comes from the "extreme" and "far right of the Republican Party."

Calling Kratovil a "moderate," Van Hollen said the state's attorney "understands the economic stresses people are feeling," the "bread and butter pocketbook issues."

Van Hollen said he expected the economy and the war in Iraq would be big issues in the campaign, adding, "People are looking for a representative who understands the challenges they face."

He referred to the importance of rising gas prices, college tuition costs, and retirement planning.

Kratovil, for his part, also discussed his political and Maryland roots as a contrast to Harris, who was born in New York City.

"I was born and raised in Maryland and have had ties to Maryland politics since my teens," Kratovil said, adding "relationships play a role" in politics.

Kratovil said he has known House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville) "since I was six."