GERMANTOWN, MD. (AP) _ STATE SEN. ROB GARAGIOLA  IS GETTING SUPPORT IN HIS CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN FROM MARYLAND'S HIGHEST-RANKING DEMOCRATIC U.S. HOUSE MEMBER.

REP. STENY HOYER SAID WEDNESDAY HE'S ENDORSING HIS FELLOW DEMOCRAT IN THE 6TH DISTRICT RACE BECAUSE GARAGIOLA IS A FIGHTER WHO SEEKS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS AND COMMON GROUND.

GARAGIOLA IS IN A FOUR-WAY RACE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION IN MARYLAND'S APRIL 3 PRIMARY ELECTION.

SEVEN REPUBLICANS, INCLUDING INCUMBENT ROSCOE BARTLETT, ARE RUNNING FOR THE GOP NOMINATION.

HOYER REPRESENTS SOUTHERN MARYLAND'S 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. HE IS THE SECOND-RANKING HOUSE DEMOCRAT, HAVING SERVED IN CONGRESS SINCE 1981.