Politics |

2024 voter guide: Lindsay Donahue, candidate for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District

Lindsay Donahue

Candidate in May 14 primary
Democratic
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

Why are you running for office?

I am a Progressive Democrat who believes in universal healthcare, gun reform, rectifying income inequality through fairer taxes, women’s bodily autonomy, and term limits. I believe that millions of Americans want these policies and that they would be beneficial for our country. Without electing legislators who also want these changes, they will not happen. That is why I entered the race.

I have been thinking about running for several years and filed with the Board of Elections the same week that Sarbanes announced he would not seek re-election. In other words, I feel so strongly about these ideas that I was ready to run regardless of who it was against. With 22 candidates in the race, I feel that is something to note.

I am not a professional politician. I bring new ideas to the table and no established relationships–with other politicians or special interest groups.

Do you believe, as President Joe Biden has said, that “democracy is on the ballot” and, if so, in what way?

Yes, absolutely. Donald Trump, who is likely to be his opponent for the 2024 race, is a direct threat to our democracy. He incited an insurrection on January 6 2020 to subvert the validation election and keep the government in his control by encouraging his enthusiasts to overthrow the Capitol. He has promised to be a ‘dictator for just one day,’ which is unconstitutional no matter how long the time period.

Trump is embattled in four lawsuits currently and spent over 300 days golfing during his prior term. Meanwhile, he seeks to sever established partnerships America has all over the world with other countries and hope to make Russia an ally. This is dangerous and these activities could be compared to Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned.

Will you accept the presidential election result once the totals have been certified by the states and any legal challenges adjudicated?

Yes

Do you support additional assistance for Ukraine’s military forces two years into Russia’s invasion?

Yes–I believe that Ukraine is all that stands between Russia and a third world war. We should be doing everything we can to help Ukraine defeat Russia, send aid in any way we can. I would also expect the rest of NATO to continue to step up.

Should the United States be speaking out more clearly, as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has suggested, about civilian casualties in Gaza?

Yes, we should be more vocal about the immediate need of a cease-fire. We have begun sending humanitarian aid to help, which is a step in the right direction for the victims stuck in the middle of this war. However, I do NOT think we should be monetarily supporting Israel in this war. We helped to establish their statehood and have supported them through the last seventy years. If we were to send money, I think that would be interpreted worldwide as a sign that we are okay with Israel’s slaughtering of innocent people, particularly women and children, when I know the majority of Americans do NOT support what Israel is doing.

Should Congress act to protect abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision?

Yes, absolutely. Women’s lives are at stake, rape victims are forced to carry to term their assailant’s evidence, and children are forced to give birth. We have advanced medically to the point where we can detect abnormalities and unviable fetuses, but by overturning Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decided to shun this progress and take a step backward.

When I am in office, I will introduce and support legislation that supports women’s access to safe reproduction health, including abortion.

Constituents are increasingly expressing concern about suburban crime. What more can the federal government do to help?

Establishing a living wage would be a good first step. Federal minimum wage is $7.25, or $15,080 annually. This is below the poverty line. A liveable wage means that individual could live on one income, rather than having to take multiple jobs to make ends meet. A federal minimum wage of $15 would be $31,020–much closer to liveable.

Establishing public day care would also cut down on crime. People in prison show similar characteristics from their upbringing: witnesses or victims of domestic violence, children of divorce, absentee and/or substance-abusing parents, living in poverty conditions. Establishing a public day care or extending public school to include children as young as six weeks would help children begin socialization and establishing peer foundations earlier. Parents would be able to get jobs without losing wages to a baby-sitter, which can cost more than the minimum wage itself.

During his time in Congress, John Sarbanes was widely seen as a leader in political reform including reducing the influence of big-monied interests. Do you see an obligation to carry on that legacy?

Yes. The limits on donation to are quite high. One person can donate to many individuals and different PACs. PACs, in turn, veil their donors–hence, the term ‘dark money.’ If an individual has a few million tied up in politics, then it is only natural to assume they want something in return.

To me, the ultra-wealthy will pay millions to protect their billions. They do this through lawyers, loopholes, and yes–politicians. If they contribute heavily to campaigns and political parties, they are virtually guaranteeing that the paid-for politicians will not come for their billions. I would absolutely fight this. I will not take PAC money.

Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on March 12.

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Baltimore Sun Media’s voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. Any questions or feedback can be emailed to elections@baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process.