It sounds like a bad joke on her, frankly. Primarying a Democratic 2-term Senator?

This will not end well.

to get experience and to test the waters.

not for the US Senate. I simply do not get this at all.

Manning already has that. This is really no big deal, although I’m sure DU will manage to make it one and to trip all over transphobic metaphors while doing so.

That's a great thing. However, running for the US Senate is another thing, altogether. I see no upside for Chelsea Manning in this, and plenty of opportunities on the downside for her.

Violate the Espionage Act, get court martialled, cut your teeth on politics with a Senate run all by age 30.

Why would you think she couldn't make this choice on her own?

I'm not saying I think it is a good idea or anything, I'm just curious why you don't seem to think she is capable of having agency of her own.

who have not consulted with others. That's especially true for office like US Senator. Even the filing process is not something most people know how to do, really.

So, my assumption is that someone has encouraged her to file. I could be wrong, of course, but I doubt it.

I'm pretty politically savvy, but I would not know how to file as a candidate for the Senate. I know how to file for local offices, state offices, etc., but not for US Senate. Do you?

not happy she's challenging one of our good Senators.

This is just silly. And challenging a Democrat? Someone has put her up to this, and it's a bad joke on her.

...Cardin is an excellent legislator.

And Cardin is popular in the state as well, making this even stranger.

...he and Chris Van Hollen are stellar replacements for two Md. icons.

It's such an odd move, really. Puzzling.

...and they have built-in, local constituencies, plus an experienced sense of what Marylanders want and need.

imprisoned for passing state secrets, be allowed to run for office?

running for the US Senate. The only qualifications are written in the Constitution. It is rarely an issue, since voters tend to reject candidates who have been convicted of felonies. In this case, she's running against a popular Democratic Senator, and wouldn't have a chance to win anyhow. The voters in Maryland aren't looking for someone to replace their current Senator.

Thanks for the info.

I would never vote for her, in my opinion, she's a traitor and should never be able to run for Federal office.

At least not on the part of Chelsea Manning. If someone put her up to running, then they may have intended it as a joke, though.

She has no chance against Ben Cardin, he's very popular in MD.

to tell you not to waste your time and money.

but, it is a free country.

Tell you what Chelsea, move back to Oklahoma, take on a Republican and I will send you a check. Ben Cardin is a good Senator and has represented his state, progressives and the Democratic party well in the House and the Senate. There is no reason to try to take him out.

I was glad President Obama pardoned her, since she had received such gratuitously inhumane treatment from the government. But my sympathy sure doesn't extend to a vote!