Working to become the first Democrat in a generation to represent Maryland's 1st Congressional District, Frank M. Kratovil Jr. said he is depending on a nonpartisan message and the backing of the low-key Republican who has held the job for the past 18 years - Wayne T. Gilchrest.

Silent on the race since his double-digit loss to state Sen. Andy Harris in the February primary, Gilchrest publicly endorsed the Democrat yesterday and embarked with him on a tour through the heart of the far-flung district that includes parts of Harford, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties and the entire Eastern Shore. Staff members parked Kratovil's campaign pickup truck, plastered with black and yellow stickers and signs, at appearances in Annapolis, Easton and Salisbury.

Gilchrest said his endorsement of Kratovil, the 40-year-old Queen Anne's County state's attorney, comes at a crucial time for like-minded moderates "who are interested in reaching across the aisle" in Congress. Kratovil, Gilchrest said, is "a man after my own heart."

"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."

Gilchrest brushed aside questions about switching political sides, saying he carries no grudges after his loss to Harris. Gilchrest has clashed with party leaders many times, but his vote with congressional Democrats for a budget bill that would have required a troop withdrawal from Iraq seemed to strike a nerve, especially among conservatives on the Eastern Shore.

Harris campaign spokesman Chris Meekins scoffed at the endorsement.

"Voters are clearly tired of Congress' failed policies, raising taxes, wasteful spending and energy," Meekins said. "This endorsement shows that Frank Kratovil is representing the status quo."

The endorsement comes after two Eastern Shore Republicans, county commission presidents Jack Cole and Roy Crow from rural Kent and Caroline counties, expressed their preference for Kratovil as well.

"My opponent is a poster child for partisanship," Kratovil said to a crowd of supporters who gathered at a sun-drenched City Dock in Annapolis. "We hear from people every day about how tired they are of party politics."