Hopefuls Ramp Up Efforts to Succeed Bartlett: Would-Be Republican Candidates Explore Runs, Build Support

Abstract

When asked about the potential for a primary, [Roscoe Bartlett] acknowledged a lot of "uncertainty" in the field. He said he had been in communication with [Alex Mooney] amid the [Bud Otis] news. He described Mooney as "acting responsibly" and said that "Alex has my back."

"That certainly is great political theater, but the reality is far less interesting," [Robert Garagiola] campaign manager Sean Rankin said. He cited "demographic changes" as the source that necessitated the changes in the lines.

"In our eyes, the seat is still competitive," Maryland Republican Party political director Matt Proud said. Republicans are "dead-set on winning it," he added.