MontCo lawmaker running for Md. Sixth District

Democratic state Sen. Rob Garagiola on Tuesday launched his campaign for a congressional seat in a newly favorable Democratic district.

The Western Maryland Sixth District was redrawn by Democratic state lawmakers intent on ousting 10-term Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett.

Yet, Garagiola, who has pushed for gay marriage and higher gas taxes — among other liberal causes — sought to appeal to moderate voters in the swing district.

“I’m an independent agent,” Garagiola said at a campaign stop in Frederick County. “I’m a Democrat, but I’ve also been with the governor on certain issues and not with him on others — and I plan to be that way as a U.S. representative at the federal level.”