Barak Obama

Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest says his party has become more self serving, more narrow and is centered on "I want, I want, I want."

In an interview with Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher, Gilchrest criticized John McCain for receipting "memorized pieces of information in a narrow way," but praised Barack Obama for "constantly evaluating information" and using his judgment.

Confident that Barack Obama will win Maryland in November, state Democrats are eying Virginia and Pennsylvania as places the party's presidential nominee can pick up electoral votes.

With a presidential primary victory in Maryland of more than 60 percent, and polls showing the Democratic presidential nominee with a double digit advantage over Republican opponent John McCain, state Democrats are focusing their efforts on neighboring swing states.

Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Quincey Gamble says Obama supporters have done a "good job holding down the fort here."

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Republican Party began energizing party members on Thursday for the presidential election by participating in the First National McCain Nation Event. With 10 locations throughout the state, the MDGOP sought to organize Republicans, recruit volunteers and get the message out.

Speaking at the MDGOP headquarters in Annapolis, former first lady Kendell Ehrlich said "leadership and character" were among the two most important qualities a presidential candidate could have. "And I think John McCain is someone we should be excited about on both these fronts."