FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - Maryland Republican Party Chairman Alex Mooney says he will not run for Congress in the state's 6th District and has endorsed incumbent Roscoe Bartlett.
Mooney made his announcement at a news conference in Frederick on Tuesday morning.
Mooney, a former state senator, formed an exploratory committee to consider running for the seat amid speculation that the 85-year-old Bartlett might retire. But Bartlett is running for an 11th term and has stepped up his fundraising.
Republicans face a tougher fight to retain the seat than in years past, because the redrawn 6th District now includes more of Democrat-heavy Montgomery County. State Sen. Rob Garagiola is the perceived front-runner among the Democratic candidates.
