Andy Harris – Service
September 18, 2008 by Cato
Filed under Conservatism, Maryland, Maryland Politics, Republican Campaigns, Video
This is the latest ad from our next Congressman – Andy Harris:
When I saw it for the first time it reminded me of some of the reasons that I believe that Andy is the best choice to be our next Representative from Maryland’s First Congressional District. It also reminded me of an incident that occurred to me a week or so ago.
I had the opportunity to meet a Salisbury resident who thought that she was going to support McCain, but was hesitant when I asked her about Andy Harris. She didn’t feel comfortable with candidates “who jump from one office to the next” and who “seem more concerned money than the people they are supposed to represent”. Fair enough. I asked her where she heard this. Needless to say, it was from some Kratovil people.
Never the less, I asked her what offices Andy was jumping around from. She didn’t know. I then explained to her that Andy Harris was represented by a “moderate” Republican state senator (sound familiar?). Andy saw that this gentleman was not truly representing the values of his district. (sound even more familiar?)
Andy took it upon himself to offer his neighbors a credible alternative; someone who more closely represented the things that they believe in. Guess what? The people of his district knew that Andy was right. He beat an incumbent Republican in the primary and went on to win three general elections by large margins. That is the only public office that Andy Harris has ever held, to the best of my knowledge. He has just served in his office longer than Frank Kratovil has served in his.
As for being so concerned about money, I asked this lady if she thought that Andy Harris was the kind of guy who put service before money? She admitted that she had been told otherwise. I explained that Andy isn’t some run of the mill saw bones, but a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a physician at Hopkins. Had she ever given any thought to how much money it cost Andy Harris to serve in the state senate each year? While I can’t speak for Andy, I have enough friends and family members who are doctors to know that a Hopkins anesthesiologist is taking a big financial hit by taking all of that time off to serve in the legislature.
I then asked this lady if she had ever given any thought to how big a pay cut Andy would be taking to serve us in Congress? Of course she hadn’t. She was under the impression that Andy would be getting some kind of pay raise. When I explained that he would be basically giving up 2/3 of what he makes now she was shocked. Why?
It’s really pretty simple. It’s the core reason that so many people support Andy. It’s not about money. It’s not about power. It’s about standing up for what you believe and doing the right thing. The same passion that drove Andy to succeed up to now is the same drive and passion that makes me sure that he will truly represent our values.
I don’t have to agree with him on every issue. I know, as sure as the sun will rise in the east, that Andy Harris will ALWAY strive to do what’s best for the people of his district. Note that I didn’t say that he would pander to us. No, Andy will REPRESENT us, in the finest traditions and beliefs of our nation’s founders.
Why should we support Andy Harris? Because he is the real deal.
Oh, I almost forgot. The lady put TWO Harris signs in her yard. The truth may not win EVERY time, but it always wins in the long run.
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Interesting how Andy left out the word Republican in this ad. Is he trying to pander to the moderates. Funny, I think some citizens have taken jabs at Kratovil for not using the word Democrat in his commercials.
I’m not aware of any politician that puts party affiliation in EVERY ad. So what? I believe the criticism of Kratovil is that he claims to be so “independent”, yet is happily taking money and support from the Nancy Pelosi’s of the world.
For the record, rarely do political ads address party because it shouldn’t matter. In addition, Frank Kratovil merely states that he is going to be an independent voice in congress unlike Andy Harris who will legislate as an idealogue and not as a representative of the people. He has proven that in the MD legislature. Furthermore, Nancy Pelosi has not given any money to Frank Kratovil so why lie? This is typical of modern politics, if you can’t find something real to attack a candidate on then make something up right Cato? Andy Harris’ shills are working overtime now huh? Just like the alleged Gilchrest endorsement of Obama, it’s a fabrication manufactured by the same people who have lied about so many other Frank Kratovil ties. We don’t need a congressman who does business the way Andy Harris and his supporters do. We have had enough of these extremists. If you want someone who has old fashioned integrity and isn’t running for office because of his ego, then vote for Frank Kratovil.
Actually, I have it on good authority that Nancy Pelosi has given $2,000 to Kratovil’s campaign. So has Barney Frank. So have a few other prominent and powerful libs.
As for the rest of your well argued comment (just short on evidence), I’m proud to support Harris. Call me a shill or anything else. Andy Harris represents the type of representation that ALL Americans deserve.
The misrepresentations in this blog are nothing short of a joke. I’m an American and I’d rather die than have Andy Harris represent me. There was not a single candidate (Republican, Democrat, Independant, Libertarian, etc) in the race that I wouldn’t vote for against him. He has the most narrow views of any person I have ever encountered that was elected to political office. He has a bad temper and zreo tolerance for anyone else’s beliefs.
I love the comments by “Cato” about the rumors he has heard about who has contributed to a campaign. Hey genius, it’s a public record. If Nancy Pelosi or Barney Frank has contributed to anyone, you can find out. Stop being so lazy and look it up. When you do, take a look at the number of republicans that have financially supported Kratovil and ask yourself why.
After the primary, Kratovil was a 15-20 point underdog in the election. Since the primary, Kratovil has raised more money and, as of last month, pulled even in the race. If you look at money from inside Maryland vs money from outside the state, Kratovil crushes Harris. Ask yourself why? Even Harris’s own polls had the race as a dead heat and he has gone into full panic mode. It’s too late. The next poll will show Kratovil has taken the lead and there will be no looking back.
I can’t be certain what kind of Congressman Kratovil will be but I know he is hard-working and honest as a prosecutor. I trust he will be that way in representing the people of the 1st District in Washington. But one thing I know for certain, he won’t be the narrow-minded snake that Andy Harris is and I thank God for that.
Hey genius, I never said that it was rumored. I said that I had it on good authority. There’s a difference.
Pelosi and Frank both donated to Kratovil through their campaign committees.
As for your comment about how many Republicans donate to Kratovil – what is your offer of proof? FEC records don’t list party affiliation. Anecdotal? I probably know just as many Dems who have given to Harris.
As for what a great prosecutor Blue Dog Frank is, check on how many plea bargains he enters into on serious charges. That’s really protecting the citizens of Queen Anne’s County.
Look Al, I’m pretty patient with people but don’t make statements without evidence. It just makes you look foolish. What is the basis of your statement that Harris’ own polls show the race in a dead heat? What is your basis for calling Harris narrow-minded?
Conviction and principle are traits to be admired. Only to liberals are they considered something to be ashamed of. Moral and political relativism are at the root of most of this nation’s problems. To people like you that’s being narrow-minded.
Cato,
Many times prosecutors will offer plea deals when they don’t feel that they have enough evidence to convict in court, better to put them away for a little while than not at all don’t you think? In addition, if you talk to the troopers that know Frank they’ll tell you what an asset he is to the people of QAC. That is why he has the FOP endorsement, I have to tell you that even though Harris might think that is a good strategy I have always thought you much smarter than that. If Harris is right on the issues as you say then he should stick to the issues, I mean even he said the cd1 will elect a consevative every day of the week… So being a conservative should be enough, he doesn’t need to fling baseless attacks.