From the Baltimore Sun, via davybaby:
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.
Gilchrest was defeated in the Republican primary by far-right State Sen. Andy Harris, an upset which created a legitimate opening for Kratovil in the first place. Kratovil, a prosecutor and moderate Democrat, has one significant advantage over Harris in that he hails from the district's Eastern Shore, while Harris is from Baltimore County.
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.
MD-01 is a staunchly Republican district where Bush hammered Kerry, 62-36, in 2004. It will be extremely difficult for Kratovil to win, even with DCCC assistance (he has been on Red to Blue for quite a while, and has the assistance of the committee's chair, fellow Marylander Chris Van Hollen).
But Gilchrest's endorsement is significant, and if handled correctly, can be instrumental in swaying the moderate Republican voters that Kratovil needs to win the district. If Kratovil is able to keep his margins low in the western part of the district - something that Gilchrest's endorsement can help with - he has a chance to rack up enough support on the Eastern Shore to win.
Gilchrest's support could be critical in this election: Kratovil certainly seems to think it will be, as he's already cut an ad with the former Congressman as its star:
On the web:
Frank Kratovil for Congress