Rep. Frank Kratovil is promising to remain a moderate voice amid a highly partisan atmosphere in Washington.

Kratovil kicked off his re-election campaign Saturday with stops in Harford, Queen Anne's and Wicomico counties.

The Democrat is running for a second term representing Maryland's First District, which includes the entire Eastern Shore and parts of the Baltimore suburbs.

Kratovil won a tight race over Republican state Sen. Andy Harris two years ago, and a rematch is likely with Harris running in the GOP primary. Kratovil is considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country.

He says his vote for the economic stimulus package has saved millions of jobs. But he's not afraid to buck the Democratic establishment — he voted against health care reform.