In a bow to his new constituents in congested Montgomery, Wynn also said his "evolving" position on the Inter-County Connector now includes firm support for the roadway and a desire to "study" a second bridge crossing over the Potomac River into Montgomery County.

Wynn's comments came during an interview with The Montgomery Journal Thursday.

"I hate to lose the constituency that I've worked with, but I've got 170,000 people to meet in my new district," said the five-term congressman. "I feel well-prepared, and I think it's going to be a good relationship."

The current 4th District includes most of inner-Beltway Prince George's County as well as Montgomery County's populated southeastern section - Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

But under a plan awaiting final approval in the General Assembly, Wynn will lose some of those areas to the 8th District and take from that district most of eastern Montgomery County, including some very rural areas.

State Democrats admit they drew the new lines with the hope of giving their party a better chance of unseating Rep. Constance Morella, R-8th District, by making her district more heavily Democratic.

"I lost a lot of territory I really enjoyed having, but there was no doubt I had to do it to help Democrats," he said.

Wynn said his upcoming campaign will be more personally focused, because he wants to know what local issues are most important to county residents. Community meetings and door-to-door visits with community and business leaders will play a large role in this year's election, he said.

"There will be subtle changes, and I will campaign more intensely," Wynn said. "People can expect to see a lot of me - I'm not too proud to stand on corners and hold my campaign signs."

In past elections, the former state senator from Prince George's has campaigned frequently by standing at busy intersections with signs.

Wynn's growing support for the ICC, meanwhile, mirrors that of other politicians seeking support in Montgomery County. In recent weeks, the ICC has been endorsed by the leading gubernatorial candidates from both parties: Rep. Robert Ehrlich, R-2nd District, and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, D, although the support of the latter contender - who has yet to officially announce her candidacy - was more tentative.

In addition, the General Assembly has voted to support the highway.

Wynn said he has considered the ICC primarily a local issue and stayed out of the debate. But the prospect of representing more of traffic-clogged Montgomery, he suggested Thursday, has altered his thinking.

"I think we need the ICC, personally," he said. "The more I sit on the Beltway in traffic, the more I think we can't get away without it."

Wynn also said the proposed Metro Purple Line could help ease traffic pains. In addition, he said the county should look at constructing the second crossing, a bridge that would run above the existing American Legion Bridge, to join Northern Virginia and the county.

"We really have to do something about this" traffic, he said.

On other issues, Wynn said Thursday:

Even though he has endorsed Townsend in her expected run in the governor's race, he disagreed with her on a key issue; statewide gaming. Wynn said gaming, while it might not be popular in Montgomery County, could be a huge boost to Maryland's economy, helping finance needed improvements in public education.

All citizens should have access to primary health care. Although dental and mental health services wouldn't be covered, Wynn said he was willing to look at a private-sector program that would help employees of small businesses, as well as a nationalized, federally subsized primary care program.

He supports much of President Bush's energy plan, but favors spending more on "alternative energy sources" and is opposed to drilling for oil. Wynn said the oil recovered could soften a gas price hike, but it wouldn't be enough to make a long-term difference.

The Washington area is "a prime target" for possible terrorist attacks" and more security is needed. "We are reasonably safe but have to do more," he said.