Harris Shows Big MD Lead
After beating moderate Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in Maryland's February primary, conservative State Senator Andy Harris is in good position to hold the Eastern Shore's First District for the GOP, despite Democratic optimism about their candidate, according to a new poll for Harris' campaign.
The survey, taken by Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates for Harris' campaign, polled 300 registered voters on 7/15 for a margin of error of +/- 5.65%. Harris and Queen Anne County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil were tested.
General Election Matchup (With leaners)
Harris..........44
Kratovil........28
Republicans will crow that their candidate leads handily in an open seat Democrats have targeted (Kratovil is a member of the DCCC's Red to Blue program). But the poll provides another reminder that every survey has to be taken with a grain of salt: Not only does a 300-voter sample size come with a high margin of error, but a survey that takes place on a single night is seen as much less reliable than a survey taken over multiple evenings.
Harris is a strong fundraiser who's pulled in just over $2 million already and still has $609,000 on hand, more than Kratovil's $454,000, he will benefit in a heavily Republican district with a presidential candidate at the top of the ticket.