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Montgomery County at-large councilman Will Jawando, who's announced his candidacy for Sen. Ben Cardin's soon to be vacant seat, plans to pitch his "bold, progressive vision" to voters.

Conventional wisdom hasnt yet been set in stone, but it is hardening when it comes to the race for the U.S. Senate seat that Marylands Ben Cardin is stepping down from next year.

Those watching the Democratic primary see U.S. Rep. David Trone has the most money to spend. Since announcing last week, Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has come out of the gate strong, racking up endorsements around the state, including from well-known leaders in other counties.

In the weeks to come, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who gained major name recognition for House impeachment hearings during the Trump Administration, is also set to decide if hell run as well. He also might remain in the House of Representatives where hes already gained a leadership role.

Though hes not favored to win, Montgomery County at-large councilman Will Jawando got more votes, by sheer numbers, than Alsobrooks, Trone and Raskin in their respective November 2022 elections.

I actually represent over a million people. We have 1.1 million in the county, Jawando said. Been twice elected as one of the top vote-getters, and so I actually represent more people than anyone in the race, funny enough.

Jawando is a native of Silver Spring now living in Sandy Spring and was a civil rights attorney, congressional staffer, and White House aide prior to getting elected to the county council. He argues that this isnt a race that can be bought, and downplayed the endorsements that Alsobrooks has received so far.

Its going to be about people voting, he said, as he pushed what is an unabashedly progressive platform in the race for Senate.

People want bold, progressive vision, Jawando said. They dont just want someone who is going to go there and do the status quo. Its not working.

He cited civil rights, reproductive freedom and gun violence as stances hes focused on, and he argues the U.S. Senate is a body that needs to be pushed to do more to help people.

They want the federal role to be more robust in those areas, and it just hasnt been, he argued.

And specifically on gun violence, Jawando said, People want to see action on that at the federal level.

At the same time, he also noted that in his past career on Capitol Hill, he had worked with Republican staffers working for members who didnt share his vision. Despite differences, he said he could still help get things accomplished, and admitted that sometimes progress needs to come incrementally, not all at once.

As he recited aspects of his stump speech, Jawando repeatedly referenced what he called the big lie, which in recent years has been a term that Democrats have used to refer to the idea that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. But for Jawando, it has a different meaning.

The big lie is not about Donald Trump and his allusions that he won the election. Obviously he didnt, Jawando said. Its about what I think is the core problem in America and Maryland right now. That if my neighbor gets something or does well or we help them then my life has to be diminished and thats a lie. Its never been true. Its something thats been told throughout our history, and I think its holding us back.

In terms of campaign infrastructure, Jawandos campaign may not be as built out as other campaigns, but with nearly 365 days before the senate primary, he said most Marylanders arent paying attention to the race anyway.

When they are focused, we will have built an organization, built the resources and the campaign to communicate what I think will be the boldest, clearest vision about how to move Maryland forward and solve the problems people are facing in a way that achieves shared prosperity.

Since its still early, theres one name still hanging over this race: Raskin. His TV appearances and job as one of the chief antagonists to Republicans in the nations capital have made him popular among Democrats paying attention to the race. Jawando happens to live in Raskins district. There are already whispers that if Raskin jumps into the race, Jawando might drop out of the Senate race and run for Raskins House seat.

We have three people in the race right now. Thats the race Im focused on. One thing I learned a long time ago in politics is you have to adjust when things happen and take things as they come, Jawando said. So much is going to happen in this campaign things you didnt even expect.

As he went on, Jawando noted he was an early endorser of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, speaking out at a time when Moore was way down in the polls.

There were a lot more well known people at the time. Im actually in a better position than the governor was, he said. I think we have a strong path to victory and as the campaign goes on time will show that.

In this media market, when I do something here, Im on TV in Bowie, too, he continued, arguing he has some name recognition in places like Prince Georges County even if hes not elected there.

He finished his response by saying, Congressman Raskin is my congressman, a great friend hes got to make his own decision. But Im focused on this race.

When it was pointed out that Jawando never said no he wouldnt run for a House seat instead, he laughed and said, You also didnt get a yes.

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In the 2024 Md. Senate race, the Democrat with the most votes last ... - WTOP

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) on Tuesday issued some embarrassing reminders to Republicans during their House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on crime in Washington.

Im so excited that my colleagues across the aisle care about sexual abuse considering that the front-runner right now for the presidency has just been found liable of sexual abuse, said Crockett, in an apparent response to election denier Rep. Anna Paulina Lunas (R-Fla.) comments about rising cases.

A Manhattan jury earlier this month found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in advice columnist E. Jean Carrolls civil lawsuit against him. Carroll alleged Trump in the 1990s raped her in a department store dressing room.

So, Im excited because this may mean that, finally, some folk will back off from supporting him because we dont support sexual abusers in this chamber, Crockett added. So, Im happy about this.

Crockett also appeared to swipe at Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) and Republicans continued defense of the serial liar congressman, who earlier this month was charged on 13 federal counts including allegations he pocketed campaign donations and unlawfully received unemployment benefits. Santos has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

My Republican colleagues want to talk about keeping the streets of D.C. crime-free but they cant even keep the halls of Congress crime-free, said Crockett, who has co-sponsored a bill to expel Santos from Congress.

My freshman colleague has just been indicted on 13 felony counts. But have they exhibited any courage to say, You know what, we will not allow this in our body. We will disallow this in our body. We will make sure that we expel this individual? she asked.

They have not, Crockett answered her own question. So, what I dont want to hear is that they care about crime because if they did they would start by cleaning up our own house and mind our own business instead of coming after D.C.

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Darrell Ehrlick| The Daily Montanan

Kevin Hamm told a crowd gathered in the backyard of a downtown Billings house that he can help unify the state behind one shared value that transcends both political parties a belief in being stubbornly independent.

As he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, he said the spirit that has made Montana so unique a state is characterized by its ability to support people over partisan politics. He told the group gathered on Tuesday evening that he was that type of person who respects and understands Montanas purple heritage, a mix of both major political parties.

Hamm, who ran in 2022 for a seat on the states Public Service Commission, announced his candidacy for Montanas central and eastern Congressional district as a Democrat. Montanas current Congressman representing the district, which includes Billings, Helena and Great Falls, is held by Rep. Matt Rosendale, a Republican in his second term.

With the 2024 Election still 18 months away, Hamm told the Daily Montanan the timing gives him ample opportunity to speak with Montanans who may believe that the race is impossible for a Democrat.

I am not a politician, and I havent inherited my wealth, he told a gathering of about 50 people on Tuesday night. I took the drink orders of the pompous people whose fathers were paying for their drinks, while I was worrying about paying my own bills. I knew the good people in the kitchen. I was ridiculed, but I was able to live here authentically anyway. I built communities in the hallways, and I built communities in schools. I have a life of solidarity with those who are work for a living.

Hamm told supporters that he may not always agree with them, but he was willing to talk and return phone calls. He said that hes heard from many Montanans who are concerned that the political reputation of the state, which includes a tolerance and respect for diversity and a range of opinions, is under siege.

Hamms background is in telecommunications. He is the chief executive of Auxilyum and Treasure State Internet and Telegraph.

He said that his campaign is rooted in the belief that Montanans still support labor, still value a work ethic, are concerned about the climate, and want personal freedom.

I believe those are things that are more important than any political party, he said.

He also told the group that he planned on being a representative for a longtime, instead of using the office as a stepping stone to the next political office.

You have to have a representative with skin in the game and something to lose, he said.

He said current discussions at the federal level have been frustrating and he believes as a business owner in the technology industry, he understands the challenges both as an employer and a citizen.

I hear Congress talking about why it cant raise the minimum wage. That itd be too expensive to businesses. But businesses cant find employees and they cant find housing, Hamm said. Its too expensive not to do it.

He said some of those positions wont make him popular, but he said, I have thick skin.

He said that politicians in Congress have to stop playing with Social Security as a bargaining chip, and that the effects of weakening labor laws and federal oversight have led to catastrophes like the train derailment recently in Ohio.

He said that Montana and the nation have wrestled with a stubborn housing problem, but he said its not necessarily a case of not having enough houses, rather its an economic problem: The houses are no longer affordable.

Hamm said he was intentionally starting early and kicking off his candidacy in Billings, Montanas largest city, which is often considered to tilt conservative. He pointed out that even in the more conservative parts of the state, residents have historically been willing to split their ticket. He said hes beginning early to let independent voters know they have a choice, even though most political analysts see the seat as safely Republican.

Just watch me, Hamm said.

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Democrat Kevin Hamm announces bid to rep Montana in U.S. ... - Great Falls Tribune

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seen here in September, is facing a united opposition in Sunday's election that threatens his grip on power. Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seen here in September, is facing a united opposition in Sunday's election that threatens his grip on power.

When Turkish citizens head to the polls on Sunday, they will vote in one of the most pivotal elections in their country's 100-year history. That's because for the first time in 20 years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a united opposition threatening his grip on power.

Turkey, a NATO ally on the border between Europe and Asia, has experienced a decade of democratic backsliding as Erdogan has methodically consolidated all branches of government under his authority. Experts say Sunday's election will determine whether Turkey can return to democratic rule or will continue its path toward an autocracy.

"Erdogan is the inventor of nativist, populist politics globally, and his defeat would mean something globally," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute.

The threat to Erdogan's reign comes amid an economic and financial crisis that has been compounded by deadly earthquakes this year. Erdogan and his ruling AK Party have received much of the blame for the economic situation.

Furthermore, alleged corruption and negligence that led to building code and safety violations may have contributed to higher death tolls from the earthquakes, according to a preliminary report from scientists at Middle East Technical University in Ankara.

"Had the earthquake not happened, Erdogan would probably be leading in the polls today," Cagaptay said.

The irony that an earthquake and economic crisis could bring down Erdogan is not lost on those who have followed his political rise. It was a 1999 earthquake that killed 17,000 people that helped elevate his profile and catapulted him and his party to victory in the 2002 general election.

"It's a parallel that almost every Turkish person made in the first days after this earthquake in February," said journalist and writer Suzy Hansen, who lived and reported from Turkey for over a decade. "He was going to fix the economy, and he was going to eradicate corruption."

Erdogan is credited with expanding the Turkish middle class by making credit more easily available to those families. His government also embarked on massive infrastructure projects that provided lots of jobs. Gross domestic product per capita more than tripled during his first decade in office, from $3,600 in 2002 to $11,700 in 2012. He delivered growth, lifted people out of poverty and improved access to government services, such as health care.

Those successes over his first 10 years in power allowed him to build a loyal base of followers. But that base is starting to abandon Erdogan now as more and more middle-class families are struggling to make ends meet in today's Turkey. Runaway inflation and a currency devaluation have seen prices surge in recent years. In April, food prices increased 54% year on year.

"People are hungry in Turkey," Hansen said. "People cannot afford meat. They can't afford food. They can't afford diapers. They are really struggling."

Inflation has come down since reaching a high of more than 85% in October. The Turkish lira has lost 76% of its value during Erdogan's second term as president.

"People are angry," Hansen said. "I had one young man say to me, 'If you watch the Turkish news, which is controlled by Erdogan, all they're telling us is that life is great. And meanwhile, I can't afford onions.'"

But it's not just economic challenges that threaten Erdogan. It's also the political and cultural changes that he undertook during his second decade in power. Erdogan, who grew up in a poor conservative Muslim family in the Anatolian hinterland, always felt like a second-class citizen in Turkey's secular society, according to Cagaptay.

His rise to power in the early 2000s also led to the rise of political Islam in the country. Many in the majority-Muslim country remain loyal to Erdogan for making religion a bigger part of Turkish politics and society. At the same time, it alienated more progressive parts of society and those secularists who want to keep religion out of politics.

"Erdogan has demonized so many groups from secularists to Kurdish nationalists to liberals to social democrats to leftists," Cagaptay said. "When you add them up, that makes up about half of Turkey's population."

And those groups for the first time are now united in their opposition to Erdogan.

Similar to other authoritarian rulers, Erdogan has attempted to hold on to power by going after his opponents. He also started to centralize the government around himself. In 2017, Turkey transformed from a parliamentary system to a presidential one after 51% of voters approved the change in a public referendum.

This change came less than a year after a failed military coup in July 2016. More than 300 people died in the clashes between the military and Erdogan supporters during the coup attempt. Erdogan responded to the attempted overthrow of his government with mass arrests and large purges across the military, government and civil service.

"He became head of state, head of government, head of ruling party, head of the national police and head of the military as chief of staff. He became all powerful as Turkey's new sultan," Cagaptay said.

The change to this new presidential system means that for the first time, Erdogan has to win 50% of the vote. Going into Sunday's election, Erdogan and his main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, are neck and neck in the polls.

Should none of the candidates win more than 50% of the vote, then there will be a runoff election on May 28 between the top two candidates.

Cagaptay and Hansen both believe Erdogan won't go quietly if he loses the election.

He might even take a page out of former President Donald Trump's playbook and call on his supporters to stop any transfer of power.

"You could very well see the repeat of Jan. 6 in Turkey after the elections, if this is a closely contested race," Cagaptay said.

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From democrat to autocrat. The story of Turkey's Recep Tayyip ... - NPR

As a Democrat, the fact that I would praise the politics of my adopted home state of South Carolina might surprise you. Republicans control near super-majorities in the state legislature, and the Palmetto State has not elected a Democratic governor or U.S. senator in more than a quarter-century.

Yet, as their right-wing peers in Florida, Tennessee and Georgia routinely wage culture wars that divide their citizens and rally Democratic voters across the country, South Carolinas leaders have provided a strong example of a third way, where logic and reason can unite people of different parties, races and beliefs to actually form a more perfect union and achieve shared goals.

In 2016, neighboring North Carolina passed H.B. 2, also known as "the Bathroom Bill'' into law, prohibiting transgender citizens from using public facilities aligned with their individual gender identity. In response, the state suffered serious financial consequences totaling billions in lost revenue as many businesses moved offices, investments and events out of North Carolina. The unpopularity of the policy also helped contribute to first-term GOP Gov. Pat McCrorys defeat later that year.

The U.S. and South Carolina flags (Kevin Ferris/Fox News Digital)

At the same time, then-Gov. Nikki Haley led opposition to similar legislation in South Carolina, which never passed the state Senate. Even more recently, the South Carolina Supreme Court solely elected by the Republican-controlled legislature struck down a bill that would have prevented abortion after six weeks. Today, in this very conservative state, most abortions are allowed up until 22 weeks. The author of the decision was one of the states first female jurists and the spouse of a Republican state legislator.

WHY THESE SEVEN WORDS OF SYMPATHY AFTER A TRAGEDY DESERVE PRAISE NOT SCORN

Most recently, South Carolinas legislature has sought bipartisan consensus on some of the most controversial issues of our time. In 2022, while other Republican-led states battled with restrictive voter and ballot access laws, South Carolina unanimously adopted an election reform bill, H. 4919, that required each county to offer two weeks of in-person early voting for at least six days a week before an election or runoff and no longer required an excuse like being out of state or having a disability to early vote. For Republicans wary of election security, it also included voter ID and installed ballot security measures.

While curriculum battles rage in a number of states, especially in Florida, just last week a bipartisan majority on the South Carolina Senate Education Committee sent a consensus education bill to the floor with broad support. The shockingly non-controversial bill essentially allows teachers to teach, and allows a statewide process for parents to object, at a local level, to content they may deem problematic.

For instance, in the South Carolina bill, there are no bans on teaching about slavery or the Holocaust or books being removed en masse from library shelves. Parents no longer have carte blanche to sue teachers or districts, but the legislation does allow a process for complaints to be heard at the local level.

The State House, Columbia, South Carolina (Epics/Getty Images)

And even current language about what should (or should not) be taught in schools is pretty basic and something on which most reasonable people can agree: homosexuality in the context of health classes at age appropriate levels is allowed, but pornographic materials are not.

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When it comes to library content, the legislation is quite simple: let local school boards decide, with an emphasis that books should be age appropriate for the kind of school, as guided by the state Department of Education a department overseen by a Republican elected statewide by voters, with a state Board of Education elected by the state legislature.

There is no question that the Palmetto State still has room to become an even better place, especially for a northern transplant like me. For instance, the state remains one of only two states without a hate crimes legislation bill even as legislation has continually passed the House but has been stuck awaiting approval in the state Senate.

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However, as states across the country become more acrimonious, they should look to ruby-red South Carolina as an example of the comity, decency and bipartisan compromise needed in our American legislative process.

When progressive Democrats and MAGA Republicans can agree unanimously, in the former cradle of the Confederacy, on issues ranging from voting rights and ballot access to school curriculum, maybe, just maybe, there is hope for other states, and our leaders in Congress, too.

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Why this Democrat believes a Republican state can be a model for the country - Fox News