This year, of the four races, there is only one real contest - in the 1st Congressional District, which includes the Broadneck Peninsula. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's stunning loss in the primary opened the door to Republican Andy Harris, a state senator who once appeared to be headed for an easy win over Democrat Frank Kratovil, the state's attorney for Queen Anne's County.

But the change in the political landscape has suddenly put Mr. Kratovil and Dr. Harris into a dead heat.

We endorse Mr. Kratovil.

Most of the district is made up of the Eastern Shore, and it would be a major misfortune for it to have a congressman who hasn't been living and working there. We don't think Dr. Harris, an anesthesiologist who lives in Baltimore County, can represent the predominantly rural Eastern Shore.

Mr. Kratovil lives in Stevensville, but, more importantly, better reflects the moderately conservative views of that area's residents. His get-tough position on illegal immigrants, for instance, contradicts the liberal label Dr. Harris has been trying hard to paste on him. In fact, it is Dr. Harris who is far away from the center.

Mr. Gilchrest - among other Republican leaders - has crossed party lines to endorse Mr. Kratovil. This shows a lack of confidence among Eastern Shore Republicans who see Dr. Harris as too conservative and unrepresentative of their bipartisan concerns for the environment.

Dr. Harris' record in the state Senate is not that of the consensus-builder the district and country need. He has often been the only senator voting against helpful legislation - such as tax credits for child care - that had the support even of fellow Republicans. He's bright, engaging and knowledgeable about national issues, but he would be an ineffective, highly partisan voice in Congress.

Dr. Harris says he is pro-environment, but his legislative record includes votes against higher emissions standards, a ban on the sale of detergents containing phosphorus, and other environmental protections. He's not the representative to boost the effort to clean up the waters crucial to his district.

Also, Dr. Harris has used a knowingly deceptive advertising campaign that goes beyond normal political hyperbole. One television ad accused Mr. Kratovil of saying, "We solved the crisis," in reference to the fiscal bailout bill passed by Congress. The quote was from an Eastern Shore newspaper that later corrected the comments and acknowledged taking them out of context. Still, Dr. Harris insisted on running the ad.

Shenanigans are a part of the political game, but they reflect a candidate's character. By all measures, Mr. Kratovil would better represent his portion of Anne Arundel and the entire 1st District.