Politics & Government

Congressman Harris Says He's Saving Campaigning for Fall

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris said he would actively campaign for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney if requested.

delivered a passionate critique on federal spending during a on Wednesday afternoon—but when asked about upcoming congressional and presidential elections, he appeared more than a little disinterested.

"We're six months out. People don't want to pay attention to that until after Labor Day. Right now, we're taking care of the district. There will be plenty of time for the election in the fall," he said.

According to his campaign website, his most recent campaign appearance included marching in the Kent Island Days Parade with the Queen Anne's County Republicans on May 19. But, otherwise, his campaign events have been sparse compared to the spring before his last election.

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Harris represents Maryland's 1st congressional district, which includes Severna Park and other parts of Anne Arundel County, the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as parts of Baltimore and Harford counties. The anesthesiologist and former state senator was elected in November 2010.

The congressman's prepared remarks during the meeting made no mention of his general election opponent, , a Democratic community leader and fellow Cockeysville resident.

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Following the meeting, Harris declined to comment on any perceived advantages he has over Rosen. He reportedly has raised more than $1 million in campaign funds during the 2011-2012 election cycle, while Rosen has raised just under $130,000, according to The Center for Responsive Politics.

"The bottom line is people are going to decide whether or not I represented the district well, and that's my job is to represent the district well. If I do it well, I think they'll return me to Congress," Harris said.

While Harris lambasted several of President Barack Obama's policies during the meeting, he did not mention presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor.

Harris switched his endorsement from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to Romney in late April.

After the meeting, however, Harris reaffirmed his support for Romney.

"I think if the election were held today, [Romney] would be the president," he said.

"I'm certainly willing to go and campaign for him. I'm not sure how much of a campaign there's going to be in Maryland," Harris said. "Most people don't consider Maryland a swing state, but if Mr. Romney or his campaign wanted me to go elsewhere and work on his behalf, I would be more than happy to."

Do you support Rep. Andy Harris' reelection campaign? Do you believe he has a strong advantage over opponent Wendy Rosen? Tell us in the comments.


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