Gilchrest against endorsing McCain after endorsing him

U.S. Sen. John McCain and U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest: On Feb. 11, one day before Gilchrest was defeated for the Republican Party nomination after nine terms.This morning's edition of The Hill has a story about 14 Republican members of the House who have yet to endorse U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Some have chosen not to endorse because they feel they are too conservative for him, and then there are those like U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) whose staunch disagreement with McCain for the Iraq war is cause for a rift.

A Gilchrest spokeswoman commented to the paper, "Since he was not reelected to public office, he’s keeping his thoughts private."

But hasn't he already share those thoughts with the entire state press corps?

Gilchrest appeared with McCain (and former Gov. Bob Ehrlich) just hours before the Feb. 12 primary in which he was defeated by conservative state Sen. Andy Harris.

And he didn't just appear with McCain, who was by then certainly considered his party's presumptive presidential nominee. He laid it on thick.

Just take the statement that came with his press release announcing the appearance:

"I am proud to stand with our party's future nominee and next president, John McCain," Gilchrest said. "I am honored to have worked with Senator McCain for many years in Congress and look forward to working with his administration.

Gilchrest with 'McCain 2000' button: Politicker PhotoMost people would call that an endorsement.

He then showed up to the event wearing a "McCain 2000" button, boasting to reporters of his longtime support for his fellow Maverick and their similiar outlook on politics.

Hell, McCain even tacitly endorsed Gilchrest that day -- at least it seemed that way to PolitickerMD.com's Max Pizarro. "We’re both combat vets," McCain said bluntly.