Not exactly conceding
Gathering supporters for what he called "the first non-concession, non-victory" speech, Gilchrest urged supporters to go home and wake up early to find out the final tally.
"We have worked for good government, good policy and we have worked for people around the world. Thank you for your honesty and integrity."
Branded a liberal in a district where that label amounts to a scarlet letter, Gilchrest was targeted in a withering series of negative television commercials and direct-mail fliers that jammed the mailboxes of district voters for months. Some voters stuck with him despite the attacks, but others were persuaded that he doesn't truly represent the district.
Nick Soffos, a 66-year-old from Joppa said that he supports Gilchrest because "He's not with the machine. He votes for what the Maryland people want."
"Just because he's a Republican doesn't mean he always votes with Republicans. He votes for whatever he sees as the people's need," Soffos said.
But for Bettie Garvey of Joppa, the message that Gilchrest wasn't a team player apparently got through, leading her to side with Harris.
"I've been disappointed with the things he's done, and how he's voting with [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi," she said. "Andy Harris has done a good job in Annapolis, and I'd like to see him go to Washington to help straighten things out there."
Ruth Lee, a Stevensville resident who voted at Kent Island High School, said she felt the district was ready for a change.
"When a person has been in office for too long, they can get a little stale, a little jaded, stuck," she said. "I think with Pipkin jumping aboard, it will give us a fresh mind. He's done a lot already. We should give him a chance."
Wynn, who for more than 15 years has represented the district that joins portions of Montgomery and Prince George's counties, has said local voters need his Washington experience.
Lessons learned
Edwards, who came within a few thousand votes of beating Wynn in 2006, raised more money and took advantage of greater name recognition this time around.
Voters at the polls called it a difficult choice. At the Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Willie Beale said Wynn was "a good man."
"He looks out for the needs of the district," said Beale, 66, a retired buildings manager with the General Services Administration who described himself as a longtime supporter.
