Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, in a characteristic break with the state's Republican establishment, has agreed to serve as chairman of Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in Maryland.
The Eastern Shore congressman said Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the Republican front-runner, is a "fine man" but that McCain is a "bold and visionary" candidate.
"I just want someone in there who has the guts and the brains to do the right thing, and I think McCain is that person," Gilchrest said.
Howard Opinsky, press secretary for McCain's campaign, said Gilchrest is the first well-known Maryland Republican official to endorse the senator. One state delegate, Donald Murphy of Baltimore County, also has come out for McCain.
Gilchrest's choice puts him on the other side of Republican leaders such as two-time gubernatorial candidate Ellen R. Sauerbrey, Rep. Constance A. Morella of Montgomery County and Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. of Baltimore County, all of whom declared for Bush before McCain's recent surge in New Hampshire primary polls.
Bush is also backed by 30 of the 35 Republicans in the Maryland House of Delegates, who signed a letter of support early this year. Maryland's fourth GOP congressman, Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett of Western Maryland, has lined up behind conservative publisher Steve Forbes.
The choice of McCain is in many ways logical for Gilchrest, a moderate who shares McCain's views on campaign finance reform -- a position that puts them at odds with GOP congressional leaders.
Gilchrest said he has known McCain, a fellow Vietnam combat veteran, for the six or seven years the two have served together on the Naval Academy's Board of Visitors.
"I've always found him to be intriguing, courageous, bold. And one of the most important things is that when you sit down and actually engage in conversations, he listens," Gilchrest said.
Gilchrest is best known as one of the Republican Party's leading advocates of environmental causes. He said he has discussed environmental issues with McCain and is confident that he would be a vigilant protector of the Chesapeake Bay and other natural resources.
Opinsky said McCain will make a speech on the environment next week in New Hampshire, home of the nation's first primary Feb. 1. He said Gilchrest is sure to be consulted before that event.
Maryland is one of a dozen states, including California, that will be holding its primary on Super Tuesday, March 7.
Republican political consultant Kevin Igoe said McCain's prospects in Maryland depend mostly on his performance in the early primary contests.
"If McCain can win New Hampshire and maybe South Carolina, then Maryland could be a red-hot race," Igoe said. He noted that the heavy military presence in the state could provide a boost to McCain, a Naval Academy graduate and former prisoner of war.
