The incumbant RINO Gilcrest was not a moderate, he was a liberal. Gilchrest had a 100% voting rating from the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and was backed by the republican establishment with endorsements from President Bush former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele as well as the liberal Baltimore Sun newspaper.
The pro-life, anti-illegal immigration, no cut and run Harris was endorsed by many local conservative activists, James Dobson, Gun Owners of America, National Right to Life Committee PAC, Eagle Forum PAC, RNC Life PAC, and the Washington Times.