HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Maryland congressman Roscoe Bartlett is blaming redistricting and a lack of support from his own Republican party for his election loss in the state’s 6th Congressional District.

The 10-term House member talked with The Associated Press Wednesday in his first interview since losing to Democrat John Delaney Nov. 6.

Bartlett says his district was gerrymandered by Maryland’s Democratic leaders to make it hard for him to win re-election.

Still, Bartlett says he could have won had the National Republican Congressional Committee put some money into his race. Delaney outspent Bartlett 3-to-1 and was victorious even in Washington County, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats.

The 86-year-old congressman says he’s not looking for another job. But he says he’ll welcome invitations to speak on his favorite topic, energy conservation.

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