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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) When it comes to potential Democratic primary rivals, Hillary Rodham Clinton is displaying a light touch.

Heading into Tuesday's midterm elections, Clinton has crossed paths with two possible presidential competitors in the past week: Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. By all accounts, the back-and-forth of a debate stage remains a long way off.

"For the past eight years, you've had a great team," Clinton said at the University of Maryland, where she vouched for Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, who is running to succeed O'Malley. The outgoing governor has a lengthy record that puts him in good standing with liberals, and he's also known for fronting a Celtic rock band.

"I don't know if Anthony plays an instrument but your current governor does," Clinton said. "And so he's gotten the Legislature and the people to sing along for eight years, and the melody has been terrific."

Clinton offered a similar embrace in Boston last week, heaping praise on Warren as a "passionate champion" for workers and families. "I love watching Elizabeth give it to those who deserve to get it," she said.

The midterm elections have put them the three Democrats, along with Vice President Joe Biden, before crowds of Democrats who could help energize a future White House bid. They haven't declared their intentions yet but Clinton remains the dominant Democratic contender if she runs.

How fellow Democrats could influence Clinton in presidential primary contests as candidates or on the sidelines remains an open question.

O'Malley picked a policy fight with the Obama administration last summer over the influx of unaccompanied immigrant children crossing the southern border into Texas. Expediting the deportations of the children, O'Malley said at the time, would "send them back to certain death."

Clinton's Maryland speech was interrupted several times by protesters pressing her over President Barack Obama's expected executive orders on immigration after the midterm elections. Carrying signs that read "Choose Families Over Politics," waves of activists heckled Clinton during her speech, prompting her to respond that she was a "strong supporter of comprehensive immigration reform."

Warren has repeatedly denied interest in running for president although she did suggest some wiggle room recently but she remains a forceful voice on income inequality and refinancing college loans. Liberals hope Warren's popularity within the party encourages Clinton to adopt some of their concerns. But they remain wary of the former secretary of state's ties to Wall Street.

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Hillary Clinton praises possible primary rivals