Addressing the Baltimore County Young Democrats in Towson Thursday night, First Congressional District candidate Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) was asked by Robert Johnson Jr., a state delegate for Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), for his thoughts on the presidential race.

Kratovil reaffirmed that he would not endorse either Obama or rival Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), but referred to the high negative ratings that Clinton harbors, and said it could be a detriment to his campaign.

"The chances of drawing out the super right base (of the Republican Party) are greater with (Clinton)," Kratovil said.

Naturally, Kratovil would be hurt by the more conservative Republicans who vote in the Nov. 4 election. His opponent, state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) ran to the political right of incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) in his successful primary campaign.

On Obama, Kratovil said, "He sparks something. He has the ability to bring people together."

"His message is drawing people in and could bring a lot of people to the polls," Kratovil added.

Following-up with the candidate after his speech, Kratovil told PolitickerMD.com that he expected Democratic voters would come to the polls in high numbers regardless of who the presidential nominee is, but said, "The negative reaction to Clinton is higher than Obama."

"I'm not saying that's justified but I think it's true," Kratovil said.

Kratovil discussed Obama's ability to attract "new and young voters," and said he was confident that he could "bring out" those same voters.

Given his viewpoint, one might think Kratovil would endorse Obama, but he said, "I think they are both very good candidates."

"People who support me support both Obama and Clinton," he added.

"Either way, the election will be historic," Kratovil said, referring to the Democratic candidates.

In addition, Kratovil said he did not think the contentious nature of the primary would hurt Democratic turnout in the fall, saying, "Most Democrats will come together after this primary is done."