[img_assist|nid=1524|title=Frank Kratovil|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=120|height=175]The First congressional district has been added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) 'Red to Blue' program, which provides support in races where Republican-held seats are viewed as possible or likely takeovers. The addition of Democratic candidate Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) as part of the DCCC's third wave of Red to Blue districts.

According the DCCC's website, candidates earn their spot on the list "by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress." Kratovil had raised over $435,000 this cycleby the last filing deadline at the start of April.

First instituted in the 2004 cycle, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns in 2006 -- an average of $404,000 per campaign. Red to Blue also offers candidates professional guidance on communications and campaign strategy.

Maryland's First has long been considered a safe Republican district, voting for President George W. Bush over the Democratic candidate in 2000 and 2004 by an average of 10 percentage points. Yet the GOP primary defeat of Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), who has held the seat for the last eighteen years, by the more conservative state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) has given Democrats new heart.

Democrats are confident that Kratovil can pick off a substantial amount of moderate Republicans and independents who were likely Gilchrest voters. They also view geography as an added plus of Harris' primary victory. Gilchrest and Kratovil live on the rural Eastern Shore, which the district encompasses, while Harris lives in Baltimore County.