![]() ![]() ![]() Many people are watching this potential matchup because the two of you couldn’t be more different, politically speaking, from an ideological standpoint. Q: One of your potential opponents in the general election for your seat is former Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton. There’s a receptive audience in Maryland for that right now. That’s why he’s bringing the Republican principles forward that he has of less restrictive government and allowing the economy to prosper and lowering taxes and fees. They appreciated the tax decreases that he is trying to put into effect. They appreciate the lowering of the Bay Bridge toll. That’s because Larry Hogan presents a very commonsense approach to getting our economy right. Talk about his efforts since he’s been elected in Maryland, and what’s that has looked like to you as a Republican.Ī: Look, there’s a reason why his approval ratings are sky-high, statewide, including places like Baltimore City where normally they wouldn’t be. Governor Hogan, of course, as a Republican has been sparring quite publically with House and Senate Democrats this session in Annapolis. You have long been one of few Republicans holding a seat, as 7 of the 8 Congressional districts in Maryland are held by Democrats. He put a pause on it for awhile until he got everyone involved and they agreed to a plan that I think in the end will benefit all of the parties and the Chesapeake Bay. He made certain all the stakeholders are involved in things like the PMT. I think that has a lot to do with Governor Larry Hogan. Talk about your thoughts on this ongoing conversation and in your opinion, are we getting that balance right?Ī: I think we are getting it better than we did a few years ago when not all the stakeholders were involved. ![]() There have been a number of initiatives in recent years, such as the Phosphorous Management Tool, and the Poultry Litter Management Act. There has been a longstanding conversation and debate about finding the balance between ensuring that there aren’t too many regulations and still trying to ensure that there are rules on the books that hold everyone accountable and the Bay will be clean and we don’t damage our natural resources. Q: Let’s talk about the poultry industry for a moment. I think my record in Congress has shown that I am responsive to the needs of the first district, whether it’s dredging in Ocean City, taking care of the poultry industry on the lower shore, or, in general, the regulatory environment to help create jobs throughout Maryland and keep the economy going. Are you confident heading into the primary and the general this cycle that you will continue to dominate the first district?Ī: Well, I think this is, of course, an interesting election year, and I think people want to know whether or not the people they elect are going to be responsive to their needs. In 2014, you won this seat with almost 70 percent of the vote, leading some political analysts to speculate that you have almost a stranglehold on the first congressional district in the state of Maryland. In recent months, you came out publically and said you were less concerned about campaigning and more concerned about lowering taxes and fighting regulations that strangle our economy. Q: Many people who are running for office this cycle have seemingly been campaigning for years. ![]() Harris spoke to The Dispatch by phone from his office in Washington DC about what he calls an “interesting” election cycle, the ideological issues facing and in some cases, dividing, Marylanders, and explained how his wife’s sudden passing in 2014 changed his views on politics as an occupation. Yet, Harris has campaigned far less than many of his opponents, despite facing criticism on the campaign trail about his voting record on many issues, including a few that pertain specifically to the Eastern Shore. Harris was re-elected to his seat representing the first congressional district in Maryland by an overwhelming majority and is confident that he will retain his seat in November. BERLIN - Congressman Andy Harris has been one of the few Republicans to have a firm hold on his political seat in the traditionally blue state of Maryland for a number of years. ![]()
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