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Montgomery County Executive candidates make their case to the business community, candidates throughout Maryland continue to debate HQ2, Dan Helmer raises awareness about gun show loopholes, Arlington Republicans search for a candidate, and more in our election link roundup. Want to stay on top of our 2018 election coverage? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Are Republicans trying to pull a Claire McCaskill in Maryland’s 6th?
Probably not, but it’s fun to speculate. Some election watchers posit that it’s possible that recent GOP attacks against Miller are aimed at elevating her and inspiring the Democratic base to rally in her defense. This would be similar to Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill's “help him to beat him” strategy to elevate the very conservative Todd Aiken. The thinking is that Trone — given his money, background, and electoral record — could be a bigger threat than Miller and could save Democrats from having to invest any resources in the district. (Adam Pagnucco / Seventh State)

Maryland Democrats clash on HQ2
Maryland Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls met in Silver Spring for the Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club forum. Candidates agreed on many issues, but clashed over the use of state incentives to attract Amazon's second headquarters. Jim Shea, Krish Vignarajah, and Ben Jealous were largely against the incentives. Rich Madaleno, Rushern Baker, and Alec Ross were broadly supportive, though not everyone would have supported the specific package that Maryland put together. (David Lublin / Seventh State)

What does it mean to be business-friendly?
An economist presented a dire economic picture of Montgomery County before County Executive candidates made their pitch to business leaders. Marc Elrich, the current frontrunner, is seen as a business-unfriendly progressive, in part because of his history of fighting development. Elrich pointed to his support of bus rapid transit around the county, arguing that such public investments are extremely business-friendly because they encourage development, but his record suggests he would likely oppose such development. (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)

Montgomery executive Q&As
All six Montgomery County Executive candidates answer questions about their backgrounds, how to support business and economic development, how to support equitable development, and whether or not they support a second bridge over the Potomac and Hogan’s plans to widen freeways throughout the county. (Louis Peck / Bethesda Beat)

VA-10 Democrats cover a lot of ground
Democratic VA-10 congressional candidates met in Vienna for a wide-ranging discussion. The GOP tax bill was raised as negatively impacting infrastructure, and a moderator actually asked about climate change! Other topics covered include gun control, healthcare and the affordable care act, social security, Iran, Russia, online advertising, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and (of course) Nancy Pelosi. (Blue Virginia)

Danny’s got a gun
To draw attention to the gun show loophole, a Democratic candidate for VA-10 filmed his efforts to buy an assault weapon in Virginia. It took Dan Helmer about 10 minutes to purchase a semi-automatic rifle without any kind of background check. He just needed to show an ID and he was on his way. While 91% of Virginians support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, Comstock reportedly remains “steadfast” in her opposition to tighter gun laws. (Jenna Portnoy / Post)

Calling all Arlington Republicans
No Republican has entered the race for the seat on Arlington County Board. Unless a candidate materializes by next week, Arlington Republicans are likely to throw their support behind independent incumbent John Vihstadt. (Scott McCaffrey / InsideNova)

Common ground in Ward 6
Ward 6 councilmember Charles Allen, Democratic challenger Lisa Hunter, and Republican challenger Michael Bekesha met for what sounds like a very polite discussion on the issues facing DC. Each of the candidates highlighted the importance of bike infrastructure, walkability, and affordable housing. The biggest disagreement seemed to be around whether or not 311 should be open around the clock. Bekesha does not think it is necessary or desirable. (Maria Helena Carey / The Hill is Home)