Harris: Victory is Endorsement of Fiscal Conservatism

State Sen. Andy Harris (R-Baltimore County), fresh from his victory over veteran U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in yesterday's GOP primary in the First District, took a victory lap in the Senate this morning.

John Wagner reports that Harris, who was surrounded by reporters as he walked onto the Senate floor, said the 43 percent of the vote he received in a multiple-candidate primary against an incumbent sent a strong message.

"That's a pretty resounding endorsement of our message in the primary," Harris said. "The message is a fiscally conservative Republican is the best choice for that district."

The race was a rough one, with Harris and Sen. E.J. Pipkin (Queen Anne's) attacking Gilchrest, but also each other, in an attempt to assume the mantle of the most conservative candidate. Despite his break with the GOP on the Iraq War, Gilchrest received the endorsement of President Bush, among other prominent Republicans.

Harris will face Democrat Frank Kratovil, the Queen Anne's County state's attorney, in November. Democrats think Harris' conservatism gives them a chance to pick up the seat.