The ad: Republican Wayne T. Gilchrest endorses Democrat Frank M. Kratovil Jr.
Who made it: Squier, Knapp & Dunn of Washington.
What it says: The ad opens with a shot of nine-term incumbent Wayne Gilchrest, standing against a backdrop of what looks to be a Chesapeake Bay tributary. "I'm a Republican, but I'm reaching across party lines to support Frank Kratovil for Congress," Gilchrest says. "Frank Kratovil is a tough prosecutor. He'll be independent and put common sense ahead of politics. I love this place we call home. It's more important to me than partisanship. Frank Kratovil shares our values. He's a good man." The ad includes images of Kratovil talking to police officers and ends with a shot of him, his wife and four young children.
What it means: A moderate Republican, Gilchrest was defeated in the primary by conservative state Sen. Andy Harris of Baltimore County in Maryland's 1st District, which includes the Eastern Shore and portions of Harford, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties. Often attacked by members of his own party, Gilchrest announced last week that he was endorsing Kratovil, the state's attorney from Queen Anne's County. While Harris is considered the front-runner in the Republican-leaning district, Kratovil is hoping to benefit from some of Gilchrest's popularity. By saying "I love this place we call home," Gilchrest is calling attention to the Eastern Shore, and subtly addressing concerns of Shore residents who have long taken pride that a Shore resident represents them. Harris, a Baltimore County anesthesiologist, lives outside the district's traditional base.
Where you can see it: The spot aired on cable during the week of the Republican National Convention, and is now running on Baltimore and Salisbury stations.
