Our Say: Wayne Gilchrest's independence served his district well

Wayne Gilchrest won't miss us or, most likely, much else associated with his 18 years in Congress. But we're going to miss Wayne Gilchrest.

The congressman from Kennedyville in Kent County lost the Republican primary 11 months ago, and so has had lots of time to plan the transition out of public life formally completed on Jan. 3, with the end of the 110th Congress. Last week his seat was passed on to Frank Kratovil, the former state's attorney from Queen Anne's County. Mr. Kratovil, though a Democrat, had Mr. Gilchrest's endorsement.

Whatever Mr. Gilchrest does now will no doubt involve the outdoors -...