FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Democratic challenger John Delaney is touting his independence in debates with Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett in the race for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District.

At a debate Monday in Frederick, Bartlett said he was glad to see Delaney break with Democrats who want to eliminate secret ballot voting in union organizing. Delaney responded that he’s always said he’s independent-minded.

At a debate Sunday in Rockville, Delaney twice described himself as a political outsider. He won his party’s nomination despite strong support by state Democratic leaders for state Sen. Rob Garagiola.

Delaney also says he’s not planning to move into the 6th district if he wins the election. He lives in Potomac, just outside the district’s newly redrawn boundaries.

Bartlett is seeking an 11th term. The race was made competitive by redistricting.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)