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Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, ousted after nine terms in a bitter Republican primary campaign last winter, will cross party lines today to endorse Democrat Frank M. Kratovil Jr. in the 1st Congressional District.
A senior member of Gilchrest's staff confirmed yesterday that the veteran lawmaker - who earned a reputation as a staunch environmentalist who frequently clashed with Republican Party leaders - will join Kratovil, an Eastern Shore prosecutor, at appearances today in Annapolis and Easton.
Gilchrest succeeded for nearly a decade in the far-flung district, which covers the Eastern Shore and parts of Anne Arundel, Harford and Baltimore counties, by tapping support from moderate Democrats and Republicans in general election wins.
He was defeated this year in the Republican primary, in part because of a barrage of television ads and direct mail from state Sen. Andy Harris, an anesthesiologist who is a leader among GOP conservatives in the State House.
Maryland's 1st Congressional District has traditionally been seen as safe ground for Republicans, but this year, Democrats think they have a chance because of the national trends favoring their party and because of the bitter nature of the February GOP primary. In addition, local Democrats believe Kratovil can attract Eastern Shore voters because he is from Queen Anne's County, while Harris lives in Cockeysville. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, headed by Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, has agreed to help steer money to the Kratovil campaign.
However, Harris is still expected to have a significant edge in the conservative-leaning district. He has received national help - former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is scheduled to appear at a Harris fundraiser this month - and he is known as a tenacious campaigner.
Chris Guy
