Narrow victory

Democrat Kratovil claims seat after bitter congressional race as Republican Harris concedes

Election 2008

"We will certainly do everything we can to support his efforts to represent his district in every way possible."

Kratovil, making his first public appearance since Election Day, stressed his independence yesterday.

"I do not intend to go to Washington to blindly follow any particular party, any particular platform, any particular ideological agenda or even any particular president," he told several dozen cheering supporters outside the Queen Anne's County Courthouse. "I intend to do what, in many respects, Congressman Gilchrest did for 18 years, and that is to be an independent voice for the people of this district."

With downtown Centreville draped in flags for Veterans Day, Kratovil said he would safeguard health care and other benefits for those who have fought for the country. He spoke also of protecting the environment while preserving the district's poultry and seafood industries.

With Kratovil's victory, House Democrats have gained 20 seats in the 2008 elections. With six contests still to be decided, Democrats now hold an 81-seat majority over Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Sun reporter Brent Jones contributed to this article.