Super Tuesday Poll [Archive] - Professional Soldiers ®

Roguish Lawyer

01-30-2008, 16:05

OK, the Republican field has narrowed. Who do you support currently? Why?

jwt5

01-30-2008, 16:38

As a registered Independent in the state of Florida, I couldn't vote in the primary.

So I have to wait and see who everybody else decides...

brownapple

01-30-2008, 16:48

Hoping Romney wins the nomination. I will not vote for McCain.

Shar

01-30-2008, 17:24

You can argue that they are both RINO's very validly - but McCain isn't backing off his untenable positions with regard to taxes and immigration. However, I'll only vote GOP.

This article coming out in the Weekly Standard sums up my feelings nicely:
"McCain seems to delight in taking positions that upset conservatives, as he did at virtually every campaign stop in New Hampshire by going out of his way to talk about global warming."
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/651mibdg.asp?pg=1

I think he'll end up with the nomination, and then I'll vote for him - but I'm a little irritated that he isn't at least trying to play a conservative.

Gypsy

01-30-2008, 17:31

It sickens me to say I'm still undecided. Definitely not Ron Paul, and I don't think I can bring myself to vote for McCain. I'm not terribly thrilled with the other two... :(

Pete

01-30-2008, 17:33

I make my fight in the primaries.

I do not make a statement with my vote in the general election.

Third party, stay at home, write in - they all mean the same thing, a vote for the opposition.

Peregrino

01-30-2008, 17:39

Let's see --- Caligula or Nero? Hmmmmm. :( No good choices anywhere. Where's the Praetorian Guard when the Republic needs them? (I know - the historical equivalent of mixed metaphors. :p)

Pete - Couldn't agree more. I WILL NOT support an overt/avowed enemy of this country's ideals by pulling a temper tantrum. At this point McCain is (unfortunately) the least of the available evils.

3SoldierDad

01-30-2008, 17:56

I'm for John McCain.

For one simple reason - Security.

McCain is neither economically nor socially conservative enough to be an ideal candidate for me, but that is way beside the point. I've never had the opportunity to vote for an ideal candidate.

It is my belief that Mitt Romney, as a successful entrepreneur and a successful governor, he can best serve the nation's economic interests - But, at the end of the day the President can not do much to intrinsically help or hurt the economy. The President, together with the congress, contributes to taxation and regulatory policies, but when considering the engine that drives the economy, those are fairly nominal powers.

It is my belief that Huckabee can best serve the nation as a moral and cultural leader; as a social conservative I like Mike Huckabee - And, darn it, he sure can talk (Wow, what a change he'd be from the butchered idiom of Bush) - But, at the end of the day the President can't do much to help or hurt the the nation's morality. True, he can nominate and endeavor to appoint strict constructionists to the Supreme Court and to the Federal Courts - And, that is certainly a strong and influential power; nevertheless, the President fails to rise to the level of being a definitive social power.

Three things matter for my decision for who should be President - SECURITY, SECURITY, SECURITY - security in my person, security for my family/community, and security for the nation - The President can definitely help or hurt the country in one absolutely meaningful way and that is by being a strong or weak Commander and Chief. We're at war. We need a President who can lead us in a time of war.

Among the three men, McCain is the only remaining candidate who gives me any real solace in this regard.

Three Soldier Dad...Chuck

.

kgoerz

01-30-2008, 18:08

Am I the only one tired of voting for the Candidate I dislike the least:mad:

3SoldierDad

01-30-2008, 18:34

Am I the only one tired of voting for the Candidate I dislike the least:mad:

You're not alone. I'm 48 - And, I've been sick of it for 30 years. Seriously, democracy as a system sucks.

The reality, however, is that it sucks less than other systems of government. Sometimes, to be honest, I do wonder. The whole thing stinks. As I get older I realize how cruddy much of life and this world really is. I've come to the conclusion that things aren't getting worse, but rather I'm simply becoming more aware of how lousy everything has always been. In short, this is how I became religious as a young man. Politics stinks; so much in life has a disgusting underbelly...So much in this world has a dark punch-line.

As I've aged I've become a realist. My quest now is to encourage and back the least bad for the least bad outcome. In a way, this is our best choice - the alternative is to do nothing and IMO that is worse. The Perot idealists in 1992 gave us Bill Clinton. I would submit that Bill Clinton gave us 9/11 by not getting Osama Bin Laden when it was possible. Naive idealism can be deadly.

Idealists who think that Utopia is ready to break-out upon us via some "political personality" are naive and foolish...And, in the end, they will feel betrayed, cynical, and lonley.

Three Soldier Dad...Chuck

.

incommin

01-30-2008, 18:56

I'll vote McCain. I do not agree with all his views. I don't think I have ever agreed with all the views of anyone person I have voted for. We are all different.

There will not be another Reagan. There is no virgin out there for the far Right. And that is fine with me because I am not far right; just right of center.

About one third of the US is GOP, about one third Democrats, and the rest are Independent and other. The GOP or the Dems can get elected without part of that last third. And none of them will vote for anyone far right.

I believe it is more important to keep Shillery and Obama out of the white house than cry about the GOP field. I know what McCain does stand for and will not be surprised. I can not say that with the rest of the field.

My .02

Jim

lksteve

01-30-2008, 19:12

Am I the only one tired of voting for the Candidate I dislike the leastNope...

gits

01-30-2008, 20:47

Hoping Romney gets the nomination, and hope he picks up Fred Thompson for VP, McCain is not conservative enough.

Eagle5US

01-30-2008, 20:53

McCain screams security yet his immigration policy equates to little more than "fluid borders".

I am in fear for the future of my Nation and home.

Hillary will never receive my vote. Whoever the republican nominee is will receive my vote.

If I don't vote, I have no right to bitch, gripe, or complain.

Eagle

The Reaper

01-30-2008, 21:01

Anybody who picked Fred for VP would get my vote, especially if he were as old and potentially infirm as McCain. They are friends, were co-sponsors, and Fred never attacked McCain with any vigor.

Look closely at who McCain's VP is, we may see him take the office of POTUS.

I am inclined to vote None of the Above, but I may eventually be forced to accept the cold fact that McCain is the only nominee likely to be able to beat any of the Dem candidates.

I am not pleased by this fact, nor happy to have him as POTUS, except for the fact that he is better than Hillary or Obama by some small measure.

Romney has changed positions too often on everything from abortion, to gay marriage, to guns, to taxes. I am not sure that he knows what he believes anymore, except what the polls tell him he needs to believe.

Huckabee cannot win a national Presidential election.

TR

Penn

01-30-2008, 21:51

McCain. Of all the candidates he is the only one who has stayed true to himself. You may not like his position on a few things - immigration, global warning, but you know he will stick to his guns concerning national security issues. And that for me is all that matters.

grumpz

01-30-2008, 22:33

I will probably vote for Mitt Romney at this point. He came in and turned the Olympics around when they were in trouble. He turned Massachusetts around when they were in trouble. I think he can turn this country around and get it going in the right direction. He is very good at what he does and I would trust him to get our country back on track.

I don't like John McCain. He is apart of the system because of how long he has been in politics. It doesn't matter what political party you are with, being a part of the system is never good. A Democrat will not get my vote because I do not agree with the core values of that party.

I have not voted in many elections, but I too am tired of voting for the best of the worst.

Bracholi

01-31-2008, 00:54

I'm actually considering voting for the worst of all evils... Hillary Clinton...
Let her ruin the country. Her reign of terror might actually wake folks up from their following the blind. None-of-the-above is the only answer to fix this country and it would require an overwhelming majority... Give Hillary a term of office... You'll get that overwhelming majority.

brownapple

01-31-2008, 07:18

Penn

01-31-2008, 07:34

GH, When did McCain turn his back? What is the story behind it?

Red Flag 1

01-31-2008, 07:53

A vote for Monica's ex-boyfriend's wife not even a consideration. Republican for sure...probably McCain.

RF 1

brownapple

01-31-2008, 08:03

GH, When did McCain turn his back? What is the story behind it?

Look up Senate Select Committee for POW/MIA - Read the report. It's on the Senate website.

Penn

01-31-2008, 08:23

GH, Got it. Thanks.

incommin

01-31-2008, 09:21

Look up Senate Select Committee for POW/MIA - Read the report. It's on the Senate website.

Read ENORMOUS CRIME and you will dislike just about everyone who has been in DC since Nixon.......

Jim

Goggles Pizano

01-31-2008, 10:58

I have not felt this bothered about an election since 92. How is it that these are the only options we as a people can put forth to lead our nation, both Republican and Democrat?
I too cannot in good conscious vote for McCain however I refuse to subject my country to the Democrat's option whoever it may be. Fearing that I will vote for whom the Republicans choose. My candidate was Thompson.:boohoo

The Reaper

01-31-2008, 11:05

TR,

I disagree with you that McCain can beat the Democrats (at least Clinton).

First, should he get the nomination, he's going to be "Swift-boated" by some of his fellow POWs. And his past is going to be revisited. I don't think a man who has made a significant part of his political career on his military background, especially his POW time, is going to do well on that.

Second, a lot of registered Republicans will not vote for him. If it is Clinton vs. McCain, a lot of them won't bother to vote. I wouldn't be surprised if we had the lowest voter turnout in years. And the majority who do turn out will be liberal Democrats.

I hate to say it, but if it comes down to Clinton vs. McCain? I'll vote for the bitch. I will not vote for the man who turned his back on his brothers. Ever.

And that I would even have to consider such a choice absolutely sucks.

Look at the most recent polling.

Hillary has very high negatives, and cannot pull the independents against McCain. If she runs against Romney, or Huckabee, she can.

Obama is more problematic for the Repub candidate, but again, McCain (never a favorite of the conservatives) appeals to a majority of the independents and can win against Obama, and right now, none of the other Repub candidates appear to be able to.

McCain's main problem will be appealing to a sufficient number of conservatives to not lose that formerly reliable voting bloc, which may decide to sit this one out. To do that, IMHO, he will have to have a strong conservative VP candidate.

In my opinion, the Dems are going to have to pander to the anti-war left in their party, and that risks costing them the independents and yellow dog Dems.

Who knows what will happen, but that is my observation based on current events and informed opinions.

TR

WhiskeyBoarder

01-31-2008, 12:22

I am interested in knowing if the debate last night swayed any of you. The only related comment that I have seen here was by Broadsword.

I have maintained strict allegiance to Fred Thompson. Even after his departure, I voted for him in the Florida Primary. The Senator simply embodied the ideals that I hold dearly better than any of the other candidates. My plan has been to vote undecided during the national election, under the opinion that I would rather NOT vote for the better of two evils, but yet want to contribute my small part to the democratic process; even if it is only to express how dissatisfied I am with the offered nominees.

HOWEVER, Romney did a lot to persuade me last night. I have the same troubles as everyone else concerning his consistent flipping on issues. However, last night he did a successful job of explaining his past executive decisions in a conservative light. Maybe this was simply a talented act of “spinning” the truth but, in any case, it was effective. More importantly, in a facility steeped with Ronald Reagan legacy, he distanced himself from McCain as the current incarnate of a genuine conservative. And, in fact, if what Romney claims to stand for today is true, he is very much in line with Fred Thompson-like conservatism.

I hate myself for gushing over Romney like this but I am having strong knee-jerk reactions to the debate. I would really be interested in your thoughts on the debate because I hold your opinions in high esteem. In any case, I thank you for your time.

The Reaper

01-31-2008, 13:14

Romney has supported the Mass anti-gun laws, the Brady Bill, and the Assault Weapons Ban.

I don't care how much he spends on memberships in pro-firearms organizations, I will not vote for him.

TR

Ret10Echo

01-31-2008, 13:23

As a native New Englander from Boston's biggest suburb (Rhode Island)....I could not support any political leader that comes out of MA...

Down the road it may come to the lesser of the evils, but for the priamry I say no to Romney.

Razor

01-31-2008, 15:11

Hear-hear, brother! For all those considering Romney, take a good, hard look at Boston (not western MA) and decide if that's how you want the country run. I sure as hell don't.

SF18C

01-31-2008, 15:35

Why can't Reagan be reincarnated!!! I am so not looking forward to Nov! I have no idea who I should vote for, at this point I am kinda liking the vote for Hillary…so she can really screw things up!

B219

01-31-2008, 19:12

Actually, no need to reincarnate Regan...simply re-elect Regan.

His death is a minor technicality, his legacy speaks for itself, there is no need for him to do anything more than he has already done.

Besides, what else says "don't fuck with us" more than re-electing a dead president.

brownapple

01-31-2008, 19:26

Well, we've got conservatives on this site who won't vote for Romney and conservatives who won't vote for McCain.

The bitch has won already.

Sionnach

01-31-2008, 20:02

I'm voting for Ron Paul.

My number one issue is freedom. While I may disagree with Dr. Paul concerning pulling out of Iraq, his strong stance on liberty and the Constitution is such that I'm willing to overlook it. I value freedom over security, liberty over prosperity, and the Constitution above all. The Constitution is sacred to me, and I believe it's sacred to Ron Paul. Mitt Romney, as Governor of Massachusetts, assaulted the Second Amendment. Sen. McCain brought us McCain-Feingold, an assault on the First Amendment of epic proportions. If these men are doing damage to our Constitution now, what kind of damage will they do as President? What kind of Supreme Court Justices will they appoint?

I believe the biggest threat to our nation is within us. Overzealous spending, the erosion of civil liberties, unchecked borders, Americans suckling the government teat, and unaccountable politicians are far more likely to destroy us than radical Islam. I can defend myself and my family from weird beards with guns, but I have very little defense from an ever-encroaching government regulation and 200,000,000+ Americans who think "There ought to be a law...".

Dr. Paul will not get the nomination, but I hope, in some way, him having a modicum of success will begin the slow process of tipping the Republican party back to the party of liberty, fiscal responsibility, and individual strength.

I would like to add that many of Dr. Paul's supporters are complete cuckoos, but hopefully I'm not lumped in with the looney bunch.

GratefulCitizen

01-31-2008, 23:07

AngelsSix

01-31-2008, 23:29

I might not agree with all of his politics, but I would chose (if I had no other choice) McCain over Hitlery any day.

CoLawman

02-01-2008, 00:01

Okay I am coming out of the closet.

I watched the debates last night and Romney has convinced me. Now understand that I have had a healthy dose of Hannity, Limbaugh, Coulter, Hewitt and Ingrahm.

I have read the McCain sponsored bills ( summaries only)

I even researched Greenhat's claim.

I have listened intently to McCain on immigration.

I have read up on "The Keating Five".

Romney gets my vote. Having said that, I will VOTE for the Republican nominee.

I disagree that McCain can beat the Democratic candidate. There is a tremendous dislike for McCain among staunch conservatives. Not only will a portion sit out............but that means they will not be contributing money.

Newt Gingrich believes there is a very strong liklihood that we go into the National Convention without any of the three garnering enough delegates. I too believe we have three standing at the end without a consensus.

Just my two cents worth.

Roguish Lawyer

02-01-2008, 01:51

I just completed and mailed my absentee ballot. I voted for Fred Thompson. :D

CRad

02-03-2008, 04:05

Well, we've got conservatives on this site who won't vote for Romney and conservatives who won't vote for McCain.

The bitch has won already.

No, I think you are wrong on this one. Until 2000 I was an independent voter or as NC calls it "Undeclared" however I always voted Republican, always. I didn't like GWB and couldn't bring myself to do like my friends and hold my nose and vote for him. McCain was my guy! I hated the tactics used against him in SC and that's saying something coming from NC and a Jesse Helms campaign.

I will not vote for John McCain no matter what. He is a liar and a sell-out. No disrespect to 3 soldier Dad but a President doesn't keep us safe anymore than a President regulates the nation's economy. Congress and Congress alone has the power to declare war. And Finance that war I might add.

Congress could have stopped the war in Iraq at any given time. John McCain cannot and will not keep you safe. Your soldier sons will be the ones doing that.

I can not vote for Mitt Romney because I am a Morman myself or LDS if you like. The fact of the matter is he has lied all the way along the line. Yes, he is good at turning wrong to right and yes, he is a successful businessman and yes, he he turned the Olympics around. Fine and on matters of economics he's a winner but he lied about moral issues from day one.

If he'll lie about something as ingrained to a Morman as abortion in order to be elected a simple State Governor what in the world will he lie to the country about?

I disagree with Mike Huckabee about amendments to the Constitution but he makes such good sense in so many areas outside those two issues. I am going to trust Congress to do what the people want.

I believe the leader of our country should be a moral authority. I don't give two raps what the Europeons do or what they think of us. They didn't like any of us much in the first place and we didn't like them either or we wouldn't have left their crappy countries in the first place.

I hate to say this because I disagree with Pres Bush on his social policies but I wish he were on the ticket again. I would actually vote for him this time.

Eagle5US

02-03-2008, 08:47

I am going to trust Congress to do what the people want.

I cannot even begin to address this statement. :rolleyes:
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and placement of your own trust...but IMHO Pelosi and her crew have demonstrated quite definitively that the Democratic Congress has been a grossly inefficient and ineffective entity. With approval ratings below 25% for more than the past year - they should be ashamed of their performance.
I most certainly am, though I am not at all surprised by it.
Side bar closed.....

Eagle

Roguish Lawyer

02-03-2008, 10:40

I watched part of the GOP debate last night and was totally disgusted by all four of these clowns. I am starting to think McCain can at least beat Hillary or Obama, but . . . :mad:

Patriot007

02-03-2008, 12:54

Although I am not happy about it, I strongly believe that McCain is the only GOP candidate that stands a chance against either of the Dem runners. IMO either Obama or another Clinton in office will be far more disastrous than McCain both internationally and domestically.

I hope my party does not hand Obama or Clinton victory because we are not thrilled with our alternatives. To me not much is worse than the future led by either of them.

CosaNostraUSMC

02-04-2008, 16:42

I'm a card-carrying GOP member, living in CA. I can't vote in the primary to stop Billary from being nominated, and I'm not too big a fan of Romney/Huck.

I'm not too thrilled at any of the current option son the table. I may just wave my rigth to vote this year.;)

*I've been "away" for a while. Good to be back again though. Hope all QP's and company have found themselves well.

Bracholi

02-04-2008, 17:11

I can't vote for any of them :-/...
Vote Clinton: Become a socialist state, with fascists extremes (Gun turn in dates O.O)
Vote Obama: Become a more socialists state, sans the extreme fascism (I'd hope)
Vote Romney: Possible lose even more of our 2nd amendment
Vote McCain: Open borders, Funding to Illegals, Lesser Socialism

Edit to add:
Who here is with me on this being the hardest election ever?
My first was was easy, Bush vs Kerry... Kerry actually fit the donkey all too well, placed side to side he and a donkey easily could be mistaken as brothers. Bush done well the past 4 years (from what I saw) so he easily had my vote.

This one is seriously like trying to vote for democracy and only seeing Socialism on the ballot...

Ret10Echo

02-06-2008, 05:50

Well Super Tuesday is behind us. Brings up a couple of items of note on the Republican side:

From their home states: (You would think they knew them best :confused:)

Romney gets 51% in MA
McCain gets 47% in AZ
Huckabee gets 60% in AR

Oh, and by the way his religion has nothing to do with his candidacy.....
but Romney gets 90% of the Republican vote in Utah......

Pete

02-06-2008, 07:20

HOLLiS

02-06-2008, 09:53

It is interesting to note that as of now Mac has 497 delegates, Mitt has 200 and the Huckster has only 141.

Yet the MSM continues the Mac vs Huck garbage.

It's clear the MSM is trying it's best to pick our winner for us.

That has been the interesting part of this primary. The media has been very wrong in their predictions. At the beginning they had Clintoon about twice the % points ahead of Obama and Giulanni the top R.

Razor

02-06-2008, 10:26

Sadly Pete, its our own damned fault (using the royal 'our' here). Most folks are more than willing to let the MSM do their homework for them rather than do a few hours of reading up on a candidate's voting history before doing something as 'insignificant' as choosing a world leader. :rolleyes: I guess we'll get the leader we deserve.

Ret10Echo

02-06-2008, 10:48

I guess we'll get the leader we deserve.

Scary thought

Ret10Echo

02-07-2008, 12:02

From the BBC....FoxNews says that there may be an announcement at a PAC meeting today in D.C.......

Romney 'suspends White House bid'
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is preparing to suspend his bid for the Republican nomination for US president, US media report.
Mr Romney spent millions of dollars of his own money on the campaign, but fell well behind frontrunner Senator John McCain after Super Tuesday's primaries.

His withdrawal leaves Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul as the only remaining challengers to Senator McCain.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are neck-and-neck in the Democrat race.

A spokesman for Senator McCain refused to comment on his rival's withdrawal.

Mr Romney plans to announce the end of his bid at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or [Barack] Obama would win," Mr Romney planned to say at the conference, AP reported.

"And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7233537.stm

Eagle5US

02-07-2008, 12:05

"And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror."

The prospect of this actually terrifies me. I appreciate the fact that he is bowing out with class. May give him a better run another go round.
Fred oh Fred...where for art thou Fred :(

Eagle

The Reaper

02-07-2008, 12:21

Ret10Echo

02-07-2008, 13:33

If Huckabee was really staying in at McCain's behest to prevent Romney from winning, now what will he do?

If that was true, he may step down now as well.

Curious to see what McCain has to say to the CPAC today.:rolleyes:

The worm turns.

TR

And the projected point of impact for the Romney supporters would be where?

Huck hangs in to leverage a position in an upcoming administration?

CRad

02-09-2008, 19:24

I cannot even begin to address this statement. :rolleyes:
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and placement of your own trust...but IMHO Pelosi and her crew have demonstrated quite definitively that the Democratic Congress has been a grossly inefficient and ineffective entity. With approval ratings below 25% for more than the past year - they should be ashamed of their performance.
I most certainly am, though I am not at all surprised by it.
Side bar closed.....

Eagle

What, exactly, has been passed by the House that bothers you? I can tell you that nothing they have managed so far bothers me. Has funding been cut? Have troops been pulled? Have taxes been raised? Has homo marriage been assigned as acceptable? What has Congress done that we don't want done?

They have not done a lot that needs doing but by the same token they haven't actually done anything we didn't want done either.

Our system of government was thought up by some pretty crafty men and I trust them. Sorry to hear you don't.

Cheri

Ret10Echo

02-13-2008, 05:58

Some local politics

It was probably a worst case scenario for some last night. Rush hour out of D.C. and an ice storm (of minimal proportion, but the infrastructure is overloaded here so it doesn't take much).
Somebody in Maryland got smart and sought a court-order to extend the polling time by 90 minutes. That was very good for me since my bus ride was 2 hours longer than normal. In the end I was able to cast a "provisional" (paper) ballot.

In the grand scheme of the Republican presidential primary everyone seems to have the opinion that it is all over but the cryin'. A Korean war vet called in to the local radio station and mentioned that there were millions in North Korea wishing they had the opportunity to cast a ballot....Sort of puts things in perspective.

So why the effort to get to the polls? Well we also had a congressional primary here on the Easter Shore and the demographics of this district are about as wide-ranging as you could possibly be. The Eastern Shore part is very very rural, farms and watermen. The Annapolis area that leans heavily toward the highly-educated professional, and then the suburbs of Baltimore city. The "Republican" (very loose use of the word) incumbent of 19 years was being challenged by a couple of State representatives and things got ugly early. In the long run we may lose the seat to the Dims, but if the guy was voting with the Dims already, what's the difference?

The winner, Harris is an MD and retired Navy Reserve officer....bring on November. :lifter

Anti-war Republican loses pitched primary battle
By KRISTEN WYATT, The Associated Press
2008-02-13 06:06:23.0
Current rank: Not ranked

CHESTERTOWN, Md. -
A longtime Republican congressman who voted to go to war in Iraq but later said he regretted the decision and that President Bush bungled the war was defeated Tuesday by a well-funded Republican state senator who called the incumbent too liberal.

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest was narrowly defeated Tuesday by state Sen. Andy Harris, a year after Gilchrest was one of two Republicans in Congress to vote for a withdrawal timeline in Iraq.
Harris said after declaring victory that he'd hang on to the majority-Democrat district.

"This is a race that a Republican is going to win," Harris said early Wednesday.

Gilchrest called the campaign the most intense of his political career. Gilchrest had Republican challengers just a few months after being inaugurated into his ninth term.

"I need to take some time to determine my feelings, to digest this. We'll take that time," Gilchrest said after hearing he lost.

Along with Democratic Rep. Albert Wynn in the Washington suburbs, who lost to Donna Edwards in a primary contest there, Gilchrest becomes the first Maryland incumbent ousted in a primary since 1992. Both Gilchrest and Wynn were also the first incumbents to lose nationwide this year, although only Maryland and Illinois have held congressional primaries.

Harris depicted Gilchrest as too moderate for Maryland's 1st Congressional District, which includes the state's Eastern Shore and parts of the Baltimore suburbs.

"The voters of the 1st District apparently embraced my conservative message," Harris told supporters shortly after midnight Wednesday. Harris, a spirited Republican in the state legislature, dogged Gilchrest since last summer, outraising the incumbent through much of the campaign. He called Gilchrest "liberal" in campaign ads and blasted Gilchrest's stance on the war in Iraq.

Gilchrest has faced stiff primary challenges before, but he called this year's race his most intense. Gilchrest's loss threw attention to the leader in the Democratic primary, Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil. Democrats hold a narrow majority in the district by party registration, though Gilchrest won two years ago with 68 percent of the vote against a little-known Democrat.

"That's going to make it a very interesting race," Kratovil said after learning of Gilchrest's loss. Kratovil's strategy throughout the campaign so far was to save his cash for campaigning during the general election.

"I would think this would be one of the most watched races in the country" this fall, Kratovil said, noting the lack of an incumbent and the Democratic registration advantage. Kratovil has been frank that his chances are better against Harris than they would have been against Gilchrest.

Kratovil called Harris "super, super conservative" and said he would be too far right for most First District voters. Gilchrest appealed to many conservative Democrats, allowing the GOP to hold on to the seat in the past.

Gilchrest appeared resigned to lose his seat not long after polls closed, though he likely won't concede until provisional and absentee ballots are counted. Absentee ballots will be tallied Thursday, while provisionals will be counted Feb. 19.

"We ran a good campaign. We held on to our integrity," he said.

Gilchrest scrambled in recent months to shore up support among Republican voters, appearing with GOP favorites such as former U.S. Speaker Newt Gingrich and presumptive presidential nominee John McCain.

Gilchrest said early Wednesday he tried to keep politics in perspective by imagining Maryland's Eastern Shore in geologic time. He also said he drew on patriotism to keep his spirits up.
"Compared to a lot of situations in the world, we're in pretty good shape," he said.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.