CONGRESSMAN WAYNE GILCHREST OFFICIALLY ENDORSES GOVERNOR O'MALLEY

Respected Statesman and Environmental Leader Crosses Party Lines to Support

Governor 'On the Side' of Maryland's Working Families

Baltimore, MD (October 25, 2010) --Joined by friends and supporters at the popular Easton Market Square, former Republican Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest formally endorsed Martin O'Malley for Governor.  The Republican Congressman, who served Maryland's first Congressional district for 18 years until 2009, cited Governor O'Malley's commitment to Eastern Shore families and environmental stewardship in his endorsement.

"Throughout his distinguished service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Gilchrest has always sought consensus, looking beyond political labels to do the right thing for Marylanders," said Governor O'Malley.  "Today I am honored to have the support of this great leader, who has fought for our country, fought for our State, fought for our children, fought our environment...and never once let partisanship stand in the way of progress.  I am grateful for the support and wise counsel of Congressman Gilchrest, as we work together to protect our land and our water, and expand opportunities for all Maryland children to enjoy outdoor experiences and learn about our environment."

"Governor O'Malley is to be commended for making the tough decisions to move Maryland forward during very difficult economic times," said Congressman Gilchrest.  "His efforts to restore the health of the Bay, preserve our open space, and teach our children important lessons about environmental stewardship are helping to improve the quality of life for countless families on the Eastern Shore.  I know Martin O'Malley.  I have counseled him on environmental policy and I know he makes all of his decisions with the best interests of Maryland families in mind." 

Congressman Gilchrest represented Maryland's Eastern Shore for decades and is well known for his strong stance on protecting Maryland's environment-a commitment shared by the O'Malley-Brown Administration. Before he was elected to Congress, Congressman Gilchrest served in the United States Marines and was a high school teacher at Kent County High School.

Governor O'Malley has been recognized as a national leader in implementing effective environmental restoration policies.  Under his leadership, since 2007 Maryland has preserved 31,000 acres of land through Program Open Space, more than three times the previous Administration; developed the region's most substantive Chesapeake Bay restoration plan; increased environmental enforcement actions by 54 percent; enacted management strategies leading to a 60 percent increase in the Bay's blue crab population; adopted a visionary plan to restore native oysters and promote development of an aquaculture industry; initiated a new strategic growth plan; increased its Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard; committed to a 25% reduction in state greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and set a goal of creating or maintaining 100,000 green jobs by 2015.