Andy Harris Sworn In As Md.'s New Congressman

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- While Senator Barbara Mikulski sets a record for longevity, another Maryland politician joins Congress for the first time.

Alex DeMetrick reports Andy Harris becomes the First District's new representative, and joins a new Republican majority in the House.

It took Republican Andy Harris a long time to walk down the hall and into his office as Maryland's newest congressman.

"It's exciting. It's an end to more or less three and a half years of campaigning and many years of public service," said Harris.

He didn't show up for work alone. Many who worked on his campaign in the First District were there to savor the moment.

It was a rare Republican win in a heavily Democratic state.

"I come in at a time when Congressional approval is at historic lows, and hopefully we can turn around people's opinion of Congress and get some things done," said Harris.

Harris was sworn into a new Republican majority in the House, which is pledging to cut $100 billion in spending. Exactly how is unknown, but there's no doubt about what Republicans want to do with the new health care law.

"We're going to try to reverse the process next week, and I think the American people are behind us on that," said Harris.

Harris used a brick to announce an open door policy for Maryland constituents, many of whom depend upon a healthy Chesapeake. Under President Obama, the EPA is forcing states to improve water quality. Harris stopped short of backing specific enforcement.

Harris begins his term as Democrat Frank Kratovil's ends.  Kratovil defeated Harris two years ago, but lost to Harris in the last mid-term election.