On a rainy election night in November 2008, parties for the 1st Congressional District candidates were separated by less than a mile in restaurants along Kent Narrows.

By the end of the evening, however, the events felt like they were taking place on different planets.

Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil may have had to wait about a week before ballot counts solidified his victory over Republican State Sen. Andy Harris, but once TV screens broadcast the presidential victory of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the contest appeared already decided.

As Republicans filtered out into the misty evening,...