In his announcement at a news conference in Annapolis, Gilchrest called Kratovil "a man after my own heart," The Baltimore Sun reported.

"I see a man who can carry on with any tiny legacy I might have," Gilchrest said. "I see a man with an independent voice, someone of competence, integrity and courage. Most important, I see a man I trust. That is more important to me than party labels."

Chris Meekins, spokesman for the victorious Republican candidate, state Sen. Andy Harris, pooh-poohed the cross-party endorsement, saying it showed Kratovil is "representing the status quo."

Gilchrest and Kratovil toured the sprawling district together. It includes the entire Eastern Shore, a formerly rural area known for oyster fishing, as well as suburban areas in the Baltimore-Annapolis corridor.

Kratovil, a prosecutor from Queen Anne County, has already received the support of two Republican county commission presidents from the Eastern Shore.