 His loss is generally attributed to redrawn legislative district lines that added four heavily Republican precincts in Washington County to his traditionally Democratic district based around Cumberland, and his support for some gun control laws, which were unpopular in the rural parts of his district.He has received numerous awards, including the Legislator Recognition Award from the Maryland Association of Counties in 1994 and 2001.He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of Notre Dame in 2001, Frostburg State University in 2000, and Villa Julie College in 1995.