Two weeks ago Gilchrest endorsed the democratic nominee running to replace him in Maryland’s 1st congressional seat. In a sit down interview about his departure from Congress, Gilchrest publicly backed the presidential democratic ticket.

GILCHREST: “My perspective is that the ticket is Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden that they have the breadth of experience, I think they are prudent, they are knowledgeable. We just can’t use four more years of the same kind of policy that’s somewhat hazardous which leads to recklessness.”

Gilchrest lost his congressional seat in this year’s republican primary to State Senator Andy Harris. Gilchrest is a strong opponent of the Iraq war, and voted with House Democrats for a withdrawal time line.

I’m Sara Sciammacco reporting in Washington for Capitol News Connection on 88-1, WYPR