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Democratic Former Congressman Backs GOP's Bartlett

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett is getting an endorsement from a Democratic former colleague.

Bartlett's campaign said Tuesday that former Rep. Gene Taylor of Mississippi will endorse Bartlett Wednesday in Frederick.

Bartlett is promoting his bipartisan spirit as he campaigns to keep the 6th district seat he's held for 20 years. He faces moderate Democrat John Delaney Nov. 5 in a race made competitive by redistricting.

Taylor served in Congress from 1989 until 2011, when he lost to Republican Steven Palazzo. The independent-minded Taylor broke with his party on several key votes, including his vote against the federal health care overhaul.

Taylor's 2010 election opponent tried to tie him to then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Bartlett now cites his own friendship with Pelosi as proof of his bipartisan spirit.

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

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