Pennsylvania Avenue. Image by the author.

Hogan is strong but vulnerable, DC leaders are being criticized over their celebration of Marion Barry, Virginia Democrats talk foreign policy, candidates duke it out at policy forums around the region, and more in our election link roundup. Want to stay on top of our 2018 election coverage? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Hogan at 50 percent
While 63 percent of Maryland voters approve of Governor Larry Hogan’s job performance, he must overcome Maryland Democrats’ substantial voter registration advantage and a national political environment that is perhaps unfriendly to incumbent Republicans. As it stands, Hogan polls just under 50 percent in a matchup against the three top-polling Democratic challengers (Rushern Baker, Kevin Kamenetz, and Benjamin Jealous). (William Zorzi / Maryland Matters)

Raskin endorses Madaleno
US Representative Jamie Raskin (D) offered state Senator Richard Madeleno a strong endorsement in his run for Maryland Governor this weekend. Supporters hope this endorsement will provide a much-needed boost for Madaleno in his quest for the Democratic nomination. (Bruce DePuyt / Maryland Matters)

Montgomery County Executive Latino Community Forum
Five of six Democratic candidates running for Montgomery County Executive met in Silver Spring to discuss issues important to the Latino community. Candidates focused on jobs, wages, fostering entrepreneurship, HQ2, the Purple Line, the local impact of US foreign policy, and how to protect immigrants from ICE. Marc Elrich and George Levanthal tied for support in an exit poll of 68 attendees, with 28 votes each. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Magazine)

District 18 debate
The Maryland District 18 Democratic Caucus held a forum this week for both state senate and house of delegates candidates. Candidates were uniformly anti-gun, pro-choice, and eager to fight climate change. There was less agreement over HQ2 incentives, the County’s role in the liquor business, and armed security guards in schools. (David Lublin / Seventh State)

Trading places
Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher, who is running for state senate in Maryland’s District 18, has been accused of trying to convince Helga Luest to drop out of the District 18 delegate race and run for senate. Luest claims this is a ploy to split the vote and weaken Waldstreicher’s primary opponent, Dana Beyer. Waldstreicher was previously accused of of trying to convince Beyer to drop out of the senate race and run for delegate. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Magazine)

Harassment in Annapolis
Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan (D-Montgomery) accused a former delegate and current lobbyist Gil Genn of inappropriate touching. In return, Genn accused Kagan of being “delusional.” Sara Love, a candidate for delegate in Bethesda-based District 16, has accused Delegate Charles Barkley (D-Germantown) of inappropriate contact with her when she worked as a lobbyist for the ACLU. Berkley is running for an at-large seat on the Montgomery County Council. He denies the allegations. (Ovetta Wiggins / Post)

Return of the sheepish black sheep
Samuel Bogley III, who was Maryland lieutenant governor nearly 40 years ago under Governor Harry Hughes (D), entered the race for Prince George’s County executive just hours before the filing deadline. Bogley was dropped from the Hughes ticket after one term because of his anti-abortion advocacy. Bagley will compete against eight other candidates in the Democratic primary. (Rachel Chason / Post)

VA-10 Democratic primary candidates talk foreign policy
A handful of Democratic candidates in Virginia's 10th district met to discuss foreign policy this week. The candidates covered a lot of ground, including discussions on Syria, North Korea, the Iran Deal, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, climate change, and the danger of President Trump’s erratic behavior. (Blue Virginia)

Hardwick’s plan to “empower” Alexandria
Dak Hardwick, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Alexandria City Council, has released his policy platform. The plan is focused on improving the delivery of basic municipal services, advancing innovation to deal with emerging challenges (which mostly translates to “expand broadband access and find new sources of revenue without increasing property taxes”), and promoting economic diversity and stability. (Alexandria News)

Another week of speculation over why Bowser is unchallenged
Another week, another article asking why Mayor Bowser faces no serious challenger despite deepening scandals and mounting accusations of mismanagement. This time, the explanation is that the strength of the DC economy has kept anger over scandals and mismanagement in check, while the competitive landscape is weak due to the inexperience and baggage of potential challenges. Furthermore, some see the mayor’s office as a political dead end. (Paul Shwartzman / Post)

#MeToo and the Mayor for Life
DC Council Ward 6 Republican candidate Michael Bekesha criticized the DC political establishment for looking past Marion Barry’s scandals to enthusiastically celebrate his legacy with the unveiling of an eight-foot statue. Bekesha argues that, despite Barry’s many accomplishments, his treatment of women and the credible accusations against him should disqualify his bronze likeness from being erected in DC. (Michael Bekesha / Medium)