December 3rd, 2011 by WCBC Radio
Despite rampant speculation to the contrary, Maryland Sixth District Congressman Roscoe Bartlett tells WCBC News that he has every intention of seeking an 11th term in office. It was a turbulent week for the veteran republican who has represented western Maryland in Congress for the past 20 years. On Thursday his top aide- Bud Otis- resigned in the wake of reports he was lining up support to run for the Maryland Republican’s seat in 2012. Also last week, state GOP Chairman Alex Mooney, a former state senator who once worked for Bartlett, said he would explore a bid for the seat. State Sen. David Brinkley (Frederick) also announced that he was starting an exploratory committee. The district has been weakened considerably for republicans as a result of re-districting which brought in a large number of voters from Democratic-leaning Montgomery County. Virtually no fund raising effort; his age (85); and a new district have all led to rumors that Bartlett will opt to retire. He tells WCBC News he will be an active candidate for re-election regardless of the many challenges…